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F1 Technique: Carbon fibre monocoque explained (+video)

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Khatir Soltani
The monocoque is the safety cell of most single seaters race cars around the globe, from the beginners' development series to Formula 1.

It was the aircraft industry which used carbon fibre monocoques first in the early '80s, only to be adapted by Formula 1. A composite material, carbon fibre is light, but also very strong.

In case of an impact only the nose is supposed to crumble. In this feature AMG Mercedes F1 driver Nico Rosberg explains how the monocoque saves his life, in combination with spectacular crash test images from the Allianz Center of Technology in Munich, Germany.

Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada