Visa Cash App Racing Bulls (VCARB) and Holy Technologies have successfully concluded an 18-month joint research and development project, demonstrating the groundbreaking potential of Holy’s Infinite Fiber Placement (IFP) technology. This collaborative effort has delivered a remarkable breakthrough: producing a critical VCARB 01 race car component that achieves a 20% weight reduction while fully recyclable. This achievement underscores the transformative impact of Holy Technologies’ innovations on high-performance component design and production.
This project aims to develop a fully recyclable wing mirror housing that meets Formula 1’s stringent quality and safety standards. By leveraging Holy Technologies’ advanced IFP manufacturing process, this component delivers superior performance while significantly reducing its environmental footprint. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to pioneering sustainable solutions in automotive engineering without compromising performance.
Revolutionizing Carbon Fiber Manufacturing
Unlike traditional methods that rely on prepreg materials with pre-aligned fibres, Holy Technologies’ IFP technology introduces a game-changing approach. The process employs a single, robotically placed carbon fibre strand embedded into a recyclable epoxy resin. This innovative method enhances the structural integrity of components while enabling full recyclability.
The IFP process allows for the separation of epoxy from carbon fibre, making it possible to reuse the same carbon fibre for identical high-performance applications. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize material efficiency across the industry.
“Holy Technologies is taking a completely different approach to the manufacturing process typically used for carbon fibre components,” said Paolo Marabini, Chief Designer at VCARB. “This innovation opens the door to reusing the same carbon fibre, significantly reducing material consumption while simultaneously optimizing component performance.”
Pushing the Limits of Sustainability and Performance
The wing mirror housing, manufactured using IFP technology, underwent rigorous testing, including deployment during a Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend. This real-world test validated the component’s performance in the demanding conditions of motorsport, showcasing its readiness for high-stakes applications.
“Our collaboration with VCARB demonstrates that high-performance engineering and sustainability are not mutually exclusive,” said Bosse Rothe Frossard, CEO of Holy Technologies. “Our IFP technology enables a new category of high-performance components that maximize design potential while supporting sustainable, efficient production for both small and large series.”
A Vision Aligned with Formula 1’s Net Zero Carbon Goal
This innovative project aligns seamlessly with Formula 1’s ambitious strategy to achieve Net Zero Carbon by 2030. VCARB’s partnership with Holy Technologies exemplifies the team’s commitment to sustainability, integrating environmentally responsible practices into every aspect of its operations. From design to manufacturing, VCARB is leading by example in pursuing a greener future for motorsport.
As both organizations continue to explore advancements in sustainable manufacturing, this collaboration sets a precedent for integrating design-for-recycling principles into high-performance automotive applications. It also highlights the potential for such technologies to extend beyond motorsport, benefiting industries ranging from aerospace to consumer goods.
Driving Toward a Sustainable Future
VCARB and Holy Technologies’ joint project is more than just a milestone in motorsport—it is a beacon for what is achievable when innovation meets purpose. By proving that sustainability and performance can coexist at the highest levels, this collaboration paves the way for a more environmentally conscious future in automotive engineering and beyond.