Via Negativa

QUOTE

Bruce Lee once said…

“It's not the daily increase but daily decrease. Hack away at the unessential.”

(Hong Kong-American martial artist and actor.)

CONCEPT

Via Negativa

Via Negativa refers to the concept of improvement by subtraction rather than addition.

This approach suggests that the best way to solve problems or improve systems is not by adding new elements but by removing existing complexities or inefficiencies.

In practice, Via Negativa involves identifying and eliminating unnecessary or harmful components to enhance the overall functionality or value of something, whether it's a process, product, or lifestyle.

STORY

Faster, Stronger … Lighter?

During the 1980s, McLaren, one of the most esteemed teams in Formula 1 racing, faced intense competition.

To gain an edge, they turned their focus to the principle of Via Negativa, specifically through the lens of reducing the weight of their race cars. The idea was simple yet challenging: make the car lighter to improve its speed and agility.

McLaren's engineers embarked on a meticulous process of scrutinizing every component of their race car.

They questioned each part's necessity and sought ways to reduce weight without compromising performance or safety. This led to innovative uses of materials like carbon fiber, a then-emerging technology.

McLaren was among the first to introduce a carbon fiber integrated chassis, significantly reducing weight while increasing the car's strength and safety.

The result of this obsessive focus on weight reduction was dramatic.

McLaren's cars became significantly lighter than their competitors, offering superior performance. The weight savings translated directly into faster lap times, better handling, and improved fuel efficiency—key factors in winning races.

McLaren's success with weight reduction set a new standard in Formula 1. By removing weight, they didn't just make their cars faster, they changed the landscape of race car design in the sport.