F1 comes to Mercedes’ rescue to compete with Tesla

Mercedes believes that its expertise in F1 can help it reduce development times while manufacturing much more efficient electric vehicles.

Competition has always been intended as a technical laboratory aimed at improving mass-produced vehicles. However, in recent years, large-scale vehicles have made a serious technological advance over those racing on tracks, with racing relegated to a marketing and communication tool. An anomaly that Mercedes has decided to address.

With perhaps unprecedented dynamism, Tesla has proven in just a few years that its electric vehicles are among the best on the market. Its traditional competitors’ vehicles are not as fuel-efficient, not as fast or powerful, and worse, for manufacturers accustomed to luxury, not as well-equipped for the same price. However, Mercedes-Benz has a “tool” to change that, and the manufacturer fully intends to capitalize on it!

According to Reuters, in order to accelerate the development times of its electric vehicles and improve their performance, Mercedes wishes to directly involve its Formula 1 team in the engineering process. By following this path, the German luxury car manufacturer believes it can produce highly efficient mass-market electric vehicles and reduce development times by a quarter. Markus Schaefer, Mercedes’ Chief Technology Officer, is certain: “We have an advantage here with Formula 1 that others do not. Tesla, in particular, does not have it.”

Last year, Mercedes introduced its concept car EQXX, with the promise of traveling 1,200 km on a single charge. Interestingly, it was developed in partnership with Mercedes F1, and it took only 18 months to develop.

Mercedes already plans to use the expertise of its Formula 1 team for its upcoming electric vehicle platform, which will enter production in 2024. It is expected to make significant advances in aerodynamics and powertrain efficiency—two areas of relentless research in F1!