F1 highlighted what can be achieved despite torrid year - Zak Brown

McLaren

F1 highlighted what can be achieved despite torrid year - Brown

McLaren CEO has spoken of his pride of team's off-track efforts this year

Sam Hall

Sunday 27 December 2020 15:00

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has claimed that 'Project Pitlane' showcased how the Formula 1 paddock can benefit the world as teams produced "10 years' worth of ventilators in a couple of months".

The seven UK based F1 teams - McLaren, Renault, Mercedes, Red Bull, Williams, Haas and Racing Point - banded together at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic to design, develop and manufacture medical ventilators.

Teams are accustomed to reverse engineering technology to understand the concepts of its rivals, and the same principle was applied to hastily produce the vital, life-saving equipment.

Article continues under video

"Formula 1 can have a lot of contribution to the world," said Brown. "I think it has. I think at McLaren we play a big role in that and it’s very important to us.

"The ventilator was a great experience for the industry to come together. We produced 10 years’ worth of ventilators in a couple of months.

"I think that shows what Formula 1 and grand prix teams are capable of doing. I think it’s great."

McLaren has worked in partnership with mental health organisation Mind across the year, with both Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz involved in various fundraising activities.

Over £285,000 has been raised for the charity, and Brown commented F1 is capable of bringing to the fore such notable problems.

"I think Formula 1 has this great ability to magnify issues around the world," added Brown.

"All the men and women were very proud that not only have we historically entertained lives, but in that instance, we actually helped to save lives.

"Mental health is very important to McLaren. That’s something that we have done a lot with our drivers and our team."