LONDON: Formula One team Mercedes has helped to develop a breathing aid that could keep coronavirus patients out of intensive care and ease some pressure on Britain’s strained health service.
As part of a combined effort involving seven Britain-based teams, Mercedes worked with engineers at the University College London and clinicians at University College London Hospital to adapt and improve a device that bridges the gap between an oxygen mask and the need for full ventilation.
The device, known as continuous positive airway pressure, has been used extensively in hospitals in Italy and China to deliver oxygen to the lungs of coronavirus patients during the pandemic.
UCL said the adapted devices have been recommended for use in Britain and that 100 of them are being sent to its hospital for clinical trials. There is the potential for quick roll-out by Mercedes to hospitals across the country.
Tim Baker, a professor from UCL’s department of mechanical engineering, said clinicians called on the “capability of Formula One” to reduce a process “that could take years down to a matter of days,” with the adapted device taking less than 100 hours to develop from an initial meeting.
“We have been proud to put our resources at the service of UCL,” said Andy Cowell, managing director of Mercedes, “to deliver the CPAP project to the highest standards and in the fastest possible time frame.”
The technology arms of six other teams — Red Bull, Haas, McLaren, Renault, Williams and Racing Point — contributed to the developing of the CPAP devices, as part of what F1 has labeled “Project Pitlane.”
The teams say they will continue to pool their resources and “support in other areas requiring rapid, innovative technology responses to the unique challenges posed” by the pandemic.
The CPAP machines work by pushing a mix of oxygen and air into the mouth and nose at a continuous rate, helping to increase the amount of oxygen entering the lungs. They are used routinely by Britain’s National Health Service but are in short supply currently.
There have been almost 20,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Britain, with more than 1,200 deaths.
For most people, the new virus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.
The F1 season has yet to start, with the first eight races of the schedule having been postponed or canceled. It means there will be no racing until the middle of June at the earliest.
Mercedes is the leading team in F1, with defending champion Lewis Hamilton as its top driver.
Mercedes F1 team helps to develop breathing aid in pandemic
https://arab.news/j9ef7
Mercedes F1 team helps to develop breathing aid in pandemic
- New breathing aid similar to those used in Italy, China to fight coronavirus symptoms
- Lack of ventilators a major concern as coronavirus cases increase
International field confirmed for LIV Golf Promotions at Black Diamond
- The four-day, 72-hole stroke play event presents one of the most dynamic entry points into the global golf ecosystem
NEW YORK: LIV Golf on Monday announced the preliminary field for the third edition of LIV Golf Promotions, set for Jan. 8–11, 2026, at the acclaimed Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, Florida.
The four-day, 72-hole stroke play event presents one of the most dynamic entry points into the global golf ecosystem, offering coveted spots in the 2026 LIV Golf League and The International Series, sanctioned by the Asian Tour.
Highlighting the global aspect of the LIV Golf League, leading players from all over the world are eligible to participate, with 87 players representing 24 countries registered to compete.
This year’s field features a strong blend of emerging global talent and proven professionals, with an average age of 30 years old, including former top-50-ranked players, Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup participants, winners on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and Asian Tour, and additional rising stars in the game.
“The evolution of LIV Golf Promotions reflects our continued commitment to creating truly open and competitive pathways for players from all over the world to compete at the sport’s highest levels,” said LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil.
“We’re seeing world-class talent, from decorated former amateurs to experienced professionals, all seizing the opportunity to compete for their place in the League alongside major champions, Hall of Famers, and rising stars.”
LIV Golf Promotions will consist of four rounds of 18-hole stroke play. Those who finish in the top 20 and ties from the first round will advance to Friday’s second round, where scores will reset, and the field will be joined by a category of players who automatically qualified for day two of competition. The top 20 players and any ties following round two will advance to the third day of competition, with scores reset once more. A 36-hole shootout will commence, and at Sunday’s conclusion, the top two finishers will earn two highly coveted spots in the LIV Golf League for 2026, as well as $200,000 for first place and $150,000 for second place. The top 10 finishers, including ties, will earn full exemption into the 2026 International Series.
The current field features many standout names, including:
• Chris Wood (England): 2016 Ryder Cup player and three-time European Tour winner
• Pablo Ereno (Spain): 2025 Palmer Cup player and former sixth-ranked player in World Amateur Golf Rankings
• Miguel Tabuena (Philippines): Two-time Olympian and third-ranked player in 2025 International Series standings
• Christopher Wood (Australia): Current top-ranked player on the PGA Tour of Australasia
• Yuxin Lin (China): Two-time Asia-Pacific Amateur Champion
• Alex Levy (France): Five-time DP World Tour winner.
LIV Golf League players without a 2026 team commitment who finished the season in the Open Zone (25th-48th), as well as relegated players (49th-54th), also have an opportunity to secure their playing rights for the 2026 season.
Several returning LIV Golf players are entered in the field, including Ben Campbell, who competed with RangeGoats GC and finished the season ranked 36th in the LIV Golf standings; Matt Jones, formerly of Ripper GC, who concluded the year in 40th place; and Anthony Kim, a three-time PGA Tour winner and former world No. 6 who was a member of the victorious 2008 US Ryder Cup team, finishing the season ranked 55th.
For more information, including the list of eligibility criteria, visit LIVGolf.com.
