Behind Every Formula 1 Team is Technology You Never See

A recent article from Shawcity, ION Science’s exclusive UK distributor, explored the role of respiratory protection and gas detection in Formula 1. It highlights an important point: while performance is everything on the track, creating safe working environments is just as critical behind the scenes. 

As the manufacturer of portable and fixed system gas detectors, ION Science is proud that its technology is being used within Formula 1 environments, with Shawcity supplying, installing and maintaining the equipment for teams across the UK. 

Risks to the Formula 1 workforce from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and total aromatic compounds (TACs) include mild symptoms like headaches, dizziness and nausea from temporary over-exposure, all the way through to serious health issues such as neurological impairment and cancer from long-term exposure. 

Portable VOC detection where it’s needed most 

The ION Science Tiger XT Select portable benzene detector is currently being deployed within Formula 1 to monitor petrol vapours and exhaust emissions, supplied through Shawcity’s equipment hire service.  

Utilising a high-output ION Science 10.0 eV lamp, Tiger XT Select detects total aromatic compounds (TACs) including benzene, toluene, and acetone quickly and accurately. It provides accurate readings down to one part per billion (ppb), wherever portable monitoring is required. In Formula 1, this includes the pit lane garages and fuel storage areas. The Tiger XT Select’s proven Photoionisation Detection (PID) technology helps users identify potentially hazardous vapours and remain within safe exposure limits, supporting safe working practices without disrupting vital day-to-day operations. 

For high-performance environments where flexibility or short-term use is essential, access to portable VOC detection through Shawcity’s hire fleet ensures teams have the right equipment when they need it. Tiger XT Select is performing so well in Formula 1, with overwhelmingly positive feedback, teams are now considering investing in purchasing their own units from Shawcity. 

Continuous monitoring for critical engineering facilities 

ION Science’s TVOC 2 fixed VOC detector is also playing an important role behind the scenes in the world of Formula 1. 

Installed as part of a fixed gas detection system within fuel testing chambers, TVOC 2 continuously monitors airborne VOC concentrations, providing 24/7 protection in areas where fuel vapours are present. Continuous monitoring helps operators respond quickly to changing conditions while supporting safe working practices in critical engineering spaces. 

Together, Tiger XT Select and TVOC 2 demonstrate how portable and fixed VOC monitoring complement one another, delivering protection wherever and however it is needed. 

Innovation backed by expert support 

ION Science designs and manufactures its market-leading PID and gas detection technology near Cambridge in the UK, while Shawcity, as the company’s exclusive UK distributor, provides customers with expert advice, equipment purchases, hires, installations, servicing, maintenance and ongoing technical support. 

The partnership ensures UK customers benefit from not only industry-leading VOC detection technology but also the expertise needed to specify, deploy, install and maintain it in the most demanding environments 

Formula 1 is one of the world’s most technically advanced industries, where precision and reliability are demanded at every level. The fact that ION Science’s instruments are used within this environment reflects the level of confidence placed in proven VOC detection technology. 

Whether supporting motorsport, manufacturing, chemical processing or environmental monitoring, ION Science and Shawcity continue to help organisations detect the hazards they can’t see with the very latest technology, ensuring workplaces remain safe and compliant.