The F1 Effect

Explore the mind-blowing science and technology behind an F1 car

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Simulation

01Simulation

Simulation

Every Formula 1 team tests intensively away from the racetrack. Our brake dyno is a perfect example of how we assess concepts and components before trying them in the heat of competition. But it’s only one of an increasingly important suite of simulation tools.

  • Brake system

    Featuring Akebono brake calipers
    and master cylinders, the Akebono
    ‘brake by wire’ rear brake control system,
    and carbon discs and pads

  • Clutch

    Electro-hydraulically operated, carbon multi-plate

  • SAFETY STRUCTURES

    Cockpit survival cell incorporating impact resistant construction and anti-penetration panels

Simulation
1,200°C At the limit, a carbon-fibre brake disc reaches peak temperatures of 1,200°C – hot enough to melt silver.

Let the world of Simulation blow your F1 mind

Find out how simulation saves laptime >
Manufacturing

02Manufacturing

Manufacturing

Mazak’s multi-axis machines have massively reduced the time required to manufacture components. In 2014, it took three men 12 hours to machine a single F1 wheelnut. With our new machines, we can produce one every two hours.

  • BODYWORK

    Carbon-fibre composite, including engine cover, sidepods, floor, nose, front wing and rear wing with driver-operated drag reduction system

  • Front & rear suspension

    Carbon-fibre wishbone and pushrod/pullrod suspension elements operating inboard torsion bar and damper system

Manufacturing
16,000 A grand prix car is the world’s most complex jigsaw puzzle, comprised of 16,000 individual parts.

Let the world of Manufacturing blow your F1 mind

Discover the secret life of an F1 component >
Chassis

03Chassis

Chassis

In our carbon laboratories, we’re able to measure the tensile strength of carbon-fibre samples. This tiny strip withstood a force of 4.5 tonnes – far in excess of any requirement on the car – before failing, ripping itself apart with ballistic strength.

  • Monocoque

    Carbon-fibre composite, incorporating driver controls and fuel cell

  • Weight

    Overall vehicle weight 746kg (including driver, excluding fuel)
    Weight distribution between 45.4% and 46.4%

Chassis
34,000 We use this many linear metres of carbon fibre every year.

Let the world of Chassis blow your F1 mind

Watch the fascinating story of carbon fibre >
Prototype Technology

04Prototype Technology

Prototype Technology

Our stereolithography (SLA) prototyping facilities uses lasers moving at 25m/s to heat-treat a bath of liquid photopolymer resin to rapidly form new components. Far quicker than conventional methods, this technique creates 400 new parts each week.

  • Electronics info

    Supplied by McLaren Applied, including chassis control, power unit control, data acquisition, sensors, data analysis and telemetry

  • Instruments info

    Dashboard supplied by McLaren Applied

Prototype Technology
25m/s The number of metres per second our rapid-prototyping machines scan at to help us build 400 new components every week.

Let the world of Prototype Technology blow your F1 mind

Go on a journey of F1 tech innovation >

MCL36A TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Full technical details of the MCL36A, including power unit, chassis, and transmission specification. View the MCL36A tech spec

McLAREN APP

Keep up to speed with the McLaren Formula 1 team with the official McLaren App. Download the McLaren App