F1 teams, like McLaren, leverage AI for performance, operations, and commercialization, enhancing decision-making and fan engagement.

F1 teams are increasingly utilising artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance track performance.

Technology has always been crucial in motorsports, and advances in AI are prompting teams to invest more heavily in these tools.

At McLaren’s Technology Centre in Woking, AI plays a significant role in decision-making processes, with machine learning applied to improve car performance and everyday operations.

McLaren’s director of business technology, Dan Keyworth, highlighted AI’s capability to analyse probabilities to train models effectively. They employ real-time data monitoring and “digital twins” of vehicles to simulate race conditions.

Race simulations

Generative AI offers F1 teams the capacity to run in-depth race simulations, allowing for optimal pit stop strategies and tire management.

Other teams like Aston Martin leverage machine learning for predictive analytics, enhancing their decision-making based on tire, weather, and track data.

Red Bull’s team also integrates AI to fine-tune performance down to milliseconds, minimising the need for extensive simulations.

Connectivity is central to these innovations, enabled by IT partnerships that facilitate real-time data flow between mobile data centres and race cars.

AI also enhances commercial aspects, aiming to provide more personalised experiences for fans in emerging markets like the U.S.