Skip advert
Advertisement

F1 aerodynamic tech set to improve UK supermarkets

Thanks to the world of Formula 1, supermarket fridges will be fitted with energy-saving aerofoils that will solve 'cold aisle syndrome'

F1 supermarket

We're used to hearing that technology from Formula 1 will eventually make it into the cars we drive to the supermarket every week - but now it also appears that the aerodynamic research from the sport will soon appear inside the store as well.

Williams Advanced Engineering specialises in turning F1 tech into a consumer reality, and has teamed up with a company called Aerofoil Energy to create a new device that redirects the cold air in supermarket fridges to stop it from leaking out into the aisles.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It attaches to each shelf inside the fridge, redirecting the cold air that is pumped in from above and pushing it back inside.

Not only does this mean that shoppers can be comfortable wearing shorts down the milk aisle, it also saves a lot of wasted energy, with the standard supermarket fridge spilling lots of cold air out into the store.

Sainsbury's has been testing the new type of fridge and has seen a 30 per cent reduction in energy consumption - and with that brand using around one per cent of the UK's total energy, that's good news for everyone in Britain.

Craig Wilson, Managing Director of Williams Advanced Engineering, said: “The collaboration with Aerofoil Energy is a perfect example of how Formula One innovations can have a tangible benefit to ordinary people and the environment. This technology has global potential and the savings in operational costs and emissions are extremely promising.”

Motorists in the UK are choosing greener cars - find out which are rated highest in the 2015 Driver Power results.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Radical new Citroen C4 Picasso to make MPVs cool again
Citroen C4 Picasso - exclusive image

Radical new Citroen C4 Picasso to make MPVs cool again

Citroen is going back to what it does best: new ELO-inspired MPV could spawn family of family-friendly models
News
28 Sep 2026
Volvo plots new Range Rover rival, and it'll dwarf the XC90
Volvo XC90 - front cornering

Volvo plots new Range Rover rival, and it'll dwarf the XC90

Volvo’s design boss is eager to bring a new ‘F-segment’ SUV to market, and it could arrive before the end of the decade
News
28 Sep 2026
MG ZS, MG HS and MG3 jump in price, but get more kit
MG Hybrid+ range

MG ZS, MG HS and MG3 jump in price, but get more kit

The latest powertrain changes aim to improve refinement while maintaining efficiency
News
28 Sep 2026

Find a car with the experts