The F1 Effect

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

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Prototype Technology

05Prototype 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 >
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.

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Watch the fascinating story of carbon fibre >
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.

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Discover the secret life of an F1 component >
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 >

MCL35 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Full technical details of the MCL35, including power unit, chassis, and transmission specification. View the MCL35 tech spec

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