04 November 2016 — 3 min read
Why Formula 1 Is Important, Even if You Are Not into Motorsports
For some, the beauty of Formula 1 is all about its sporting aspects. For others, it’s all about technology, the incredible innovation behind the world’s most technology-driven sport. But the reality is that you can’t separate the two. Formula 1 is at once about sport, technology and innovation. And what may seem like an expensive hobby for wealthy tinkerers and daring racers actually has a trickle-down effect on our everyday lives. Formula 1 is a massive research and development powerhouse. Technologies developed within the closed walls of F1 team factories find their way into other industries, making our lives simpler, safer and more efficient.
Here are a few obvious (and some not-so-obvious) examples of Formula 1 technology that has made its way into our everyday lives:
1. Tyres. Pirelli, the sole tyre supplier for all Formula 1 teams, has conducted an enormous amount of R&D over the years. The tyre technology developed for Formula 1 — soft tyres with more grip or hard tyres that last longer — is also used for road cars. If you have a set of Pirellis on your car outside, the Formula 1 technology has followed you home.