Driving Innovation at Speed
Motorsport innovation solving world challenges in the UK Motorsport Cluster
“
Thanks to everyone back at the factory
”
Every Formula 1 driver credits their win to “the factory”. A nod to the powerhouse behind their success.
For most, that factory lies within the UK Motorsport Cluster: the global epicentre of motorsport innovation.
of the Formula 1 teams are fully or partially based within the UK Motorsport Cluster
of F1 constructor championship titles won by UK based teams over the last 10 years
of these wins were by teams located in the UK Motorsport Cluster
The UK Motorsport Cluster
Although Formula 1 is a global sport with headquarters around the world and an audience of 9% of the global population, 80% of its teams are heavily concentrated in and around Silverstone, Milton Keynes, Banbury, and the surrounding regions.
The UK Motorsport Cluster is a hub of precision engineering, design, and advanced manufacturing. It brings together R&D, production, logistics, and commercial services — fuelling global motorsport and high-performance industries.
The region supports over 4,300 motorsport-related companies and employs 41,000 people.
Motorsport and engineering services contributes £16bn to the UK economy.
The drive to innovate
Competition is a powerful engine for innovation, and motorsport exemplifies this in the drive to outpace rivals by creating cars and processes that are better, faster, and more efficient. This fuels continual learning and experimentation.
R&D Investment
F1 reinvests 30% of sales into R&D, far above most industries, driving fast paced innovation.
Annual sales
Research & Development
Average F1 team budgets vs Average constructor points between 2010-2020
Disparities in constructor budgets saw the cost cap introduced in 2021 spurring further advances.
Cost Cap
OTHER
TEAMS
ALPINE
McLAREN
FERRARI
MERCEDES
REB BULL RACING
100
0
600
Points
Budget
450
2026 rule changes (new power units, sustainable fuels, lighter cars) will drive another wave of innovation.
The impact of the 2021 cost cap on F1 constructor team budgets
Accelerate Ahead
New teams in F1
Entry of new teams to F1 reinforces UK’s pivotal role in motorsport engineering. Audi and Cadillac have both chosen the UK Motorsport Cluster for their UK base, and Ford is partnering with Red Bull who are already based within the cluster.
Integrated Innovation Ecosystem
The UK Racing Cluster is a global hub of motorsport innovation, strengthened by new entrants setting up in the region. It emerged post-WWII, combining aerospace expertise and the Midlands’ rich automotive heritage. In the 1950s, firms like Cooper and Lotus drove British dominance in motorsport, especially Formula One.
Anchored by world-class research and testing facilities
UK universities offer motorsport-specific degrees; major hubs across Motorsport Cluster include Cranfield, Warwick, Bath, and Oxford Brookes.
Talent Pipeline
Supported by over 200 colleges and strong industry links with F1 and Formula E teams through initiatives like Formula Student and Formula Student AI.
Cranfield’s airport facility provides unique R&D collaboration opportunities with industry.
More than a race
Formula 1 is more than speed — it’s a catalyst for breakthrough innovation. Across the innovative landscape, advances are no longer discrete, and the breadth of the motorsport industry amplifies its influence across industries and global challenges.
Hybrid/electric vehicles, 100% sustainable fuel in F1 by 2026, aerodynamic efficiency and lightweight materials.
Innovations like HANS, SAFER barriers, crash structures now used in daily life and public infrastructure.
Competitions and partnerships have positioned the UK as a global AV R&D centre.
AI/ML, digital twins, and advanced simulations are applied beyond motorsport—into healthcare, aerospace and logistics.
Tech from race telemetry informs metro and air traffic systems, as well as extending into sectors from med tech to renewables.
Motorsport delivers strategic value for priority sectors
Motorsport may seem distant from everyday life, but its impact is real and far-reaching. The UK Motorsport Cluster is a global R&D powerhouse — a national success story whose full economic potential deserves recognition and support.
Download the full report
Discover how motorsport is driving innovation across multiple sectors - and why the UK’s Motorsport Cluster stands out on the world stage.
The Racing Cluster plays a pivotal role in shaping UK’s innovation-driven industrial identity.
While not explicitly named in the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy 2025, motorsport underpins priority sectors including clean energy, advanced manufacturing and defence.
Driving Innovation at Speed
Motorsport innovation solving world challenges in the UK Motorsport Cluster
“
Thanks to everyone back at the factory
”
Every Formula 1 driver credits their win to “the factory”. A nod to the powerhouse behind their success.
For most, that factory lies within the UK Motorsport Cluster: the global epicentre of motorsport innovation.
of the Formula 1 teams are fully or partially based within the UK Motorsport Cluster
of F1 constructor championship titles won by UK based teams over the last 10 years
of these wins were by teams located in the UK Motorsport Cluster
The UK Motorsport Cluster
Although Formula 1 is a global sport with headquarters around the world and an audience of 9% of the global population, 80% of its teams are heavily concentrated in and around Silverstone, Milton Keynes, Banbury, and the surrounding regions.
The UK Motorsport Cluster is a hub of precision engineering, design, and advanced manufacturing. It brings together R&D, production, logistics, and commercial services — fuelling global motorsport and high-performance industries.
The region supports over 4,300 motorsport-related companies and employs 41,000 people.
Motorsport and engineering services contributes £16bn to the UK economy.
The drive to innovate
Competition is a powerful engine for innovation, and motorsport exemplifies this in the drive to outpace rivals by creating cars and processes that are better, faster, and more efficient. This fuels continual learning and experimentation.
R&D Investment
F1 reinvests 30% of sales into R&D, far above most industries, driving fast paced innovation.
Annual sales
Research & Development
Average F1 team budgets vs Average constructor points between 2010-2020
Disparities in constructor budgets saw the cost cap introduced in 2021 spurring further advances.
Cost Cap
OTHER
TEAMS
ALPINE
McLAREN
FERRARI
MERCEDES
REB BULL RACING
100
0
600
Points
Budget
450
2026 rule changes (new power units, sustainable fuels, lighter cars) will drive another wave of innovation.
Accelerate Ahead
New teams in F1
Entry of new teams to F1 reinforces UK’s pivotal role in motorsport engineering. Audi and Cadillac have both chosen the UK Motorsport Cluster for their UK base, and Ford is partnering with Red Bull who are already based within the cluster.
Integrated Innovation Ecosystem
The UK Racing Cluster is a global hub of motorsport innovation, strengthened by new entrants setting up in the region. It emerged post-WWII, combining aerospace expertise and the Midlands’ rich automotive heritage. In the 1950s, firms like Cooper and Lotus drove British dominance in motorsport, especially Formula One.
Anchored by world-class research and testing facilities
UK universities offer motorsport-specific degrees; major hubs across Motorsport Cluster include Cranfield, Warwick, Bath, and Oxford Brookes.
Talent Pipeline
Supported by over 200 colleges and strong industry links with F1 and Formula E teams through initiatives like Formula Student and Formula Student AI.
Cranfield’s airport facility provides unique R&D collaboration opportunities with industry.
More than a race
Formula 1 is more than speed — it’s a catalyst for breakthrough innovation. Across the innovative landscape, advances are no longer discrete, and the breadth of the motorsport industry amplifies its influence across industries and global challenges.
Hybrid/electric vehicles, 100% sustainable fuel in F1 by 2026, aerodynamic efficiency and lightweight materials.
Innovations like HANS, SAFER barriers, crash structures now used in daily life and public infrastructure.
Competitions and partnerships have positioned the UK as a global AV R&D centre.
AI/ML, digital twins, and advanced simulations are applied beyond motorsport—into healthcare, aerospace and logistics.
Tech from race telemetry informs metro and air traffic systems, as well as extending into sectors from med tech to renewables.
Motorsport delivers strategic value for priority sectors
Motorsport may seem distant from everyday life, but its impact is real and far-reaching. The UK Motorsport Cluster is a global R&D powerhouse — a national success story whose full economic potential deserves recognition and support.
Download the full report
Discover how motorsport is driving innovation across multiple sectors - and why the UK’s Motorsport Cluster stands out on the world stage.
The Racing Cluster plays a pivotal role in shaping UK’s innovation-driven industrial identity.
While not explicitly named in the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy 2025, motorsport underpins priority sectors including clean energy, advanced manufacturing and defence.