How F1 Teams Use Generative AI to Improve Performance?

In recent years, major F1 teams have been continuously exploring advanced technologies to enhance car performance. From cloud computing to artificial intelligence and machine learning, new technologies are changing the competitive landscape of F1 racing. With the rapid development of artificial intelligence technology, various teams are increasing their investments in this field.

The 2024 F1 World Champion team McLaren is enthusiastically embracing AI. According to Bloomberg, at McLaren's technology center in Woking, this 60-year-old racing giant is actively applying artificial intelligence technology to improve track performance.

Regarding this, McLaren's Director of Business Technology Dan Keyworth stated, the company mainly applies AI technology in three areas: enhancing vehicle performance, optimizing daily operations, and commercial applications.

AI Can Predict "What Will Happen" on the Track

Keyworth stated that AI tools have brought new capabilities to F1 teams, including the ability to deeply simulate certain situations that may occur during a race, such as calculating the ideal pit stop time for vehicles or deciding which new tires to use when replacing old ones:

AI allows us to actually simulate more scenarios and predict 'what will happen'.

He also added that the accuracy of some simulation results has reached a level that is "almost frightening."

McLaren is not the only F1 team utilizing AI technology.

According to Reuters, the Aston Martin Aramco team uses a "data lake" (a large-scale data storage center) and machine learning technology to learn from vast amounts of data to predict patterns and improve decision-making. The team's Chief Information Officer Clare Lansley stated that machine learning algorithms can integrate data such as tires, weather, and track conditions, using predictive analytics to optimize decisions.

Visa Cash App RB team CEO Peter Bayer stated earlier this year that they are using AI to compete for "one hundredth, one thousandth of a second" advantage. The team's vehicle performance director Guillaume Dezoteux pointed out that AI can help the team with planning:

This means you don't need to run 100 simulations.

Data Connectivity: The Lifeblood of F1

Keyworth emphasized that all of McLaren's innovations rely on IT tools and equipment provided by companies like Cisco and Alphabet-C:

Data connectivity may be the lifeblood of this sport; without it, nothing can begin. Without it, racing cannot safely take to the track.

McLaren ensures smooth data transmission through its "mobile data centers," which are transported to various race venues around the world to maintain continuous online digital operations.

Driving Commercial Development, Enhancing Team Efficiency... The Impact of AI on F1 is Significant

Keyworth stated that AI has also brought benefits in commercialization. For fans and partners, McLaren is increasingly trying to "enrich the experience and allow fans to feel a closer connection." With the help of AI, McLaren can better target fans in emerging markets like the United States, such as personalizing information for fans at specific times of the day.

When using AI in business, Keyworth stated that the main improvement the company has seen is "making every employee's life richer, smoother, faster, and more efficient."

This is not about replacing the workforce, but rather replacing 'tedious tasks'... You want to free the team to do what they should be doing, rather than dealing with the trivial matters that exist in the role.

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