How F1's vital aero parts are made strong
Formula 1 technical consultant PAT SYMONDS explains the magic of carbon fibre - and how one term encompasses a wealth of different applications that the grand prix squads use across their machine
To many people the words 'carbon fibre' describe a single material, but it is as generic a term as the word 'metal'. In the same way metal covers a range of elements from aluminium to zinc, so too does carbon fibre describe a plethora of different combinations of fibre and resin, each with unique and exploitable properties.
In general engineering carbon fibre is still thought of as a relatively new material, but the fibres as we know them today were first made by Swan for use in lightbulbs in 1860. In the mid twentieth century small samples of high-performance fibres were being made in laboratories, but it wasn't until 1963, when researchers at the Royal Aircraft Establishment in Farnborough developed a method many companies went on to commercialise, that the material became viable.
Share Or Save This Story
Can Alpine’s latest regime change shift its course?
Why long Sainz courtship was only one factor in eventual Williams union
How F1’s tech war has transformed in 2024
The apparently humble F1 component with remarkable attributes
The statistical F1 anomaly Verstappen will seek to remedy in Singapore
The hard-to-shift narratives Mercedes needs Antonelli's next steps to dispel
How Alonso played designer in Aston’s new limited edition special
F1 uncovered: A weekend behind the scenes with a team physio
FIA: EV, hybrid, ICE power on the table for WRC 2027
Alliance BTCC squad plans to replace Fords for 2026
Colapinto interview: "I know what I can do, I was expecting to be quick"
Rins: Leg injury not the reason for poor results
Ranking the real 2025 F1 driver line-up pecking order
Will Sauber's C44 go down as F1's best point-less car, or are there better contenders?
When McLaren conquered F1 and the Indy 500
How Hulkenberg transformed his F1 career with Haas
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
