Mon, 31 March, 2025
TWI has been working in industry sectors such as aerospace, space and automotive for decades, helping to deliver solutions to achieve technical advancements, light-weighting, and more. This experience has created a natural synergy with motor racing and Formula One (F1), where our experts are able to offer a range of advice and support.
Changes to F1 regulations in relation to aerodynamics, chassis and engine rules are going to be implemented in 2026 to make new cars more nimble and effective against the competition. These changes align with our expertise, gained through decades of research and innovation across diverse industries.
Power Units
Changes to power units include a 300% increase in electrical power coming from the battery unit as well as a move towards 100% sustainable fuels. These changes match our existing experience in electric vehicle batteries and casings, including knowledge of housings and disassembly.
Chassis and Aerodynamics
As the FIA technical group look to make cars more nimble, there have been changes to minimum weights, downforce, drag, wheelbases, and vehicle and tyre widths. Aerodynamics improvements include drivers being able to adjust front and rear wings, changes to rear wing designs to remove the lower beam and simplify end plates, narrower front wings, removal of front wheel arches, and changes to the floor to reduce ground effect.
All of these developments coincide with TWI’s expertise and experience in material selection, polymer matrix composites (including composite-to-metal joining, thermoplastic composite welding, composite machining, and enabling coatings for composites to provide improved thermal properties and wear resistance), and advanced metal joining techniques for thinner section parts.
Safety
Of course, safety remains of paramount importance to F1 and motor sports, with new regulations being announced for front impacts, increased side intrusion protection, more visible endplate lights, and more. This can be assisted through material selection, design, and bespoke testing, in addition to efficient inspection techniques, such as robotic NDT inspection and other areas of TWI expertise.
Other Support
Other potential areas of support from TWI for F1 and motor sports include national and international supply chain support, powder characterisation for parts manufacture, additive manufacturing, reduced manufacturing times, and recycling of materials (including composites) as part of the circular economy.
Trustworthy, Impartial Support
We pride ourselves on delivering trustworthy, impartial and independent support, and this would include in the highly competitive world of motor racing. This means that you can be sure of getting the best advice and support to meet your exact needs.
Contact us via email at contactus@twi.co.uk to find out more.