by As you watch your favorite F1 drivers speed around the MSC Cruises Austrian GP this weekend — or perhaps catch the highly anticipated Hollywood movie starringBrad Pitt— understand that technology is playing a key role in enhancing the performance of Formula One racing.
To assist in gathering, analyzing, and providing meaningful insights to racing teams, each F1 car is equipped with approximately 300 sensors, producing an impressive 1.1 million telemetry data points every second, which are sent from the vehicles to the pit area in real-time. For the last seven years, Amazon Web Services (AWS) has served as a crucial technology partner for the Formula One organization, using its AI and cloud solutions to process and understand all the data coming from F1 cars.
Not bad for a 75-year-old activity that for many years depended entirely on one device: a stopwatch.
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Today, there is a vast amount of data being gathered, and artificial intelligence and machine learning are essential to interpreting it all," says Julie Souza, who oversees AWS for sports. "Reducing milliseconds can have a significant impact on the track, such as identifying that you're over-tightening a specific lug nut, which could lead to engine instability; therefore, a team like Scuderia Ferrari (an official AWS partner since 2021) can obtain valuable insights to improve race strategy that was once difficult to measure," adds Souza. "That's just one minor example of the massive volume of data processed at rapid speeds.
Interestingly, in Formula One, the analysis of aerodynamics data has resulted in modifications to car designs. Known as "Computational Fluid Dynamics," these simulations, conducted in the cloud, examine fluid movement around the vehicle and revealed that following cars needed significantly more force to overtake. As a result, this information prompted changes in body design in 2022, leading to over 30 percent more overtakes, which has certainly pleased F1 fans.
Myself had a brief experience with race car data collection and analysis when I recently drove a Ferrari 296 GTB on a track in Fiorano, Italy, before attending an F1 Grand Prix practice session. An engineer reviewed my telemetry data after a few laps. How did I perform? I'll stick to writing articles.
Data enhances fan interaction as well.
Sports and racing enthusiasts appear to be seeking additional details.
"Over the last few years, we've noticed that fans are more involved and connected with their favorite sports when there's an abundance of data and detailed analysis, which enables them to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the game," says Souza.
Technology enables fans to create their own viewing experience in a manner that's deeply personalized," says Souza. "What fascinates me might not be important to you, and thus, data is enabling genuine customization, leading to a more immersive experience.
For instance, Souza mentions that current sports broadcasts and applications can be very personalized—and this level of customization will increase even further in the near future. "You can select various camera angles and audio streams, possibly purchase tickets for an upcoming match or a jersey of your favorite athlete, track a fantasy team or make a wager, communicate with friends, or have Uber Eats deliver something to you 20 minutes into the game."
This customization is proving effective, as noted by Souza, emphasizing the success of the collaboration with Bundesliga, which has resulted in a 68 percent rise in fan interaction on its data-rich application, and sessions that last 60 percent longer. “I always mention that if you feel informed about what you're watching, you're likely to watch it more.”
AWS collaborates with various sports organizations, including the NHL, NFL, PGA Tour, and Germany's Bundesliga soccer league. Amazon mentions that soccer games generate 3.6 million data points per match.
Tech for broadcasters
Technology has not only transformed how Formula One presents F1 races to fans — through streaming on multiple platforms and frequently offering interactive features like choosing specific camera angles — but it also enables broadcasters to provide a more engaging experience for viewers.
"Tracks can extend up to six kilometers, meaning the action takes place across a large area simultaneously, and the data gathered and organized by AWS enables producers to convey what is happening," says Adrian De Luca, Director of Cloud Acceleration at AWS, for Asia Pacific and Japan.
Car telemetry can also help broadcast producers anticipate what might occur next, allowing them to prepare videos and graphics for the audience.
Data can be predictive, like when an overtake is anticipated," says De Luca. "The data is gathered as the cars pass by, using beacons positioned approximately every 150 to 200 meters, which capture telemetry from all 20 cars, and this information is then transmitted to F1's headquarters in Biggin Hill.
De Luca mentions that over 500 terabytes of data is gathered each race weekend.
Technology is supporting broadcasters in various additional ways. In March 2024, the NHL and AWS conducted the first cloud-based broadcast, providing high-quality and customized live games with minimal on-site equipment, and reducing CO2 emissions by over 2 metric tons.
Technology can also enable access to previously unseen coverage. According to Souza, only 15 percent of the PGA Tour's more than 30,000 shots during a tournament are shown on television. A tailored app can provide the remaining 85 percent, along with AI-generated commentary in various languages.
For safety’s sake, too
Sensors, combined with artificial intelligence and machine learning along with cloud computing, are also being used to enhance player safety.
In the NFL, approximately 500 million data points are gathered each week, with this information aiding in the identification of players prone to injury, and assisting coaches and owners in making significant decisions. According to Souza, this led to 700 fewer missed games in the most recent season. “It's a win-win-win situation, as top players desire to be on the field, team owners who invested heavily in them also want that, and fans wish to watch their favorite players compete.”
Another example of data analysis in the NFL: Rather than having all players use identical helmets, sensors revealed that athletes in various positions experienced impacts differently. Consequently, there are now eight distinct helmet designs tailored to different positions, helping to lower the risk of head injuries, including concussions.
Whether it's reaching the end zone or crossing the finish line, technology is enhancing the experiences of athletes, fans, and broadcasters.
This piece first was published on USA TODAY:How artificial intelligence and cloud computing are transforming Formula One racing
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