Nestled in Brackley, a town located 70 miles northwest of London, lies the operational epicentre of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team. Since Mercedes-Benz re-entered Formula 1 with its own works team in 2010, Brackley, United Kingdom, has been synonymous with the team’s relentless pursuit of motorsport excellence. This state-of-the-art technology centre, spanning an impressive 60,000 square metres, is the beating heart of the Mercedes F1 operation in the United Kingdom.
Within this cutting-edge UK facility, every aspect of a championship-calibre Formula One car comes to life. From initial design concepts and intricate development processes to precision manufacturing, meticulous assembly, and race operations, Brackley houses the full spectrum of activities required to compete at the pinnacle of motorsport. The technology campus boasts world-leading resources, including a sophisticated wind tunnel for aerodynamic testing, advanced dynos for powertrain development, and a driver-in-loop simulator to refine car setup and driver performance. Crucially, the site incorporates the extensive production capabilities needed to ensure continuous, season-long car development – a vital element in the fiercely competitive world of Formula 1.
Brackley’s significance extends beyond car construction. It stands as a global leader in pioneering technologies crucial to modern Formula 1 and beyond. Specialised departments within the Mercedes United Kingdom campus excel in simulation techniques, lightweight construction methods, additive manufacturing (3D printing), generative design, and the application of machine learning. This concentration of expertise makes the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team in the UK a hub of innovation.
Adding to the diverse activities within Mercedes United Kingdom operations is Mercedes-AMG F1 Applied Science. This division leverages the team’s high-performance engineering culture and cutting-edge technical capabilities to offer bespoke engineering services to external clients. Demonstrating the versatility of the Brackley base, Applied Science has collaborated with Sir Ben Ainslie and INEOS to create INEOS Britannia. This partnership unites leading figures from high-performance marine and automotive engineering, targeting the prestigious America’s Cup and aiming to bring this coveted trophy back to Britain.
The Brackley facility underlines its commitment to sustainability, holding the internationally recognised ISO 14001 certification for its environmental management system. Powering its extensive operations with 100% renewable energy sources, Mercedes United Kingdom is dedicated to minimising its environmental impact. In 2020, the headquarters achieved the FIA’s Environmental Accreditation programme’s highest Three Star Certification, further solidifying its green credentials. The team actively pursues a year-on-year reduction in its carbon footprint, aiming for a 20% decrease annually, and responsibly offsets unavoidable CO2 emissions through certified gold-standard carbon offsetting programs.
Operating 24/7, with over 950 dedicated employees, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team at Brackley embodies a relentless pursuit of competitive advantage. Facing formidable challenges both on and off the race track, against highly skilled competitors, the team thrives on embracing the demanding nature of Formula 1. For Mercedes in the United Kingdom, and globally, the greater the challenge, the greater the drive to excel and achieve victory.
