As you observe your preferred Formula 1 racers zoom through the Austrian Grand Prix hosted by MSC Cruises this weekend—or perhaps check out the highly anticipated Hollywood movie featuring Brad Pitt — understand that technology is playing a key role in enhancing the performance of Formula One racing.
To assist in gathering, examining, and delivering crucial information to racing squads, each F1 vehicle contains roughly 300 sensors, producing approximately 1.1 million telemetry data points every second, sent instantly from the cars to the pit lane. Over the last seven years, Amazon Web Services (AWS) has played a vital role as a technological collaborator for the Formula One group, utilizing its artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure to aid in handling and deciphering all this data from F1 machines.
Not too shabby for a 75-year-old sport that depended exclusively on one piece of equipment for many years—a stopwatch.
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Today, vast quantities of data are being gathered, making artificial intelligence and machine learning essential tools for understanding it all," says Julie Souza, who oversees AWS for sports. "Even tiny improvements measured in milliseconds can significantly impact performance on the track. For instance, detecting excessive rotation in a specific lug nut could lead to engine instability; thus, teams like Scuderia Ferrari—official partners with AWS since 2021—can obtain valuable insights into race strategies that were once impossible to measure." She continues, "This is merely one minor illustration of the extensive data analysis conducted at rapid speeds.
Interestingly, with Formula One, aerodynamics data analysis has even yielded changes in car design. Called “Computational Fluid Dynamics,” simulations ran in the cloud analyze fluid flow around the car, and found that trailing cars required much more force to overtake. And so, this data led to changes in body design in 2022 that saw more than 30 percent more overtakes, much to the delight of F1 fans, no doubt.
I recently got a brief experience with race car data collection and analysis when I took the wheel of a Ferrari 296 GTB at the Fiorano circuit prior to watching an F1 practice session. After completing multiple laps, an engineer went over my telemetry data with me. To be honest, I think I'll stay with penning down articles rather than racing cars.
Information propels fan engagement as well.
It appears that sports and racing enthusiasts are eager for additional insights and details.
"Over recent years, we've observed that fans become more connected and involved with their preferred sports when provided with extensive data and profound insights. This enables them to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the events they watch," explains Souza.
Technology enables fans to tailor their viewing experiences in a very personalized manner," explains Souza. "Something that interests me might not interest you, hence data is enabling genuine personalization for a more engaging encounter.
For instance, Souza indicates that current sports broadcasts and applications offer extensive personalization options—and these capabilities will become even more advanced soon. "Viewers can select various camera angles and soundtracks, perhaps purchase tickets for an imminent match or jerseys from their preferred players, track a fantasy team, or make a wager, engage in conversations with peers, or arrange for Uber Eats to bring them food within 20 minutes after a game starts."
According to Souza, this customization is proving successful, as evidenced by the collaboration with Bundesliga, which resulted in a 68% boost in user engagement on their data-intensive app and sessions that were 60% longer. "My belief is that when viewers feel knowledgeable about what they’re watching, they tend to spend more time engaged with it," he stated.
AWS collaborates with various sports organizations including the NHL, NFL, PGA Tour, and Germany’s Bundesliga soccer league. According to Amazon, each soccer match generates approximately 3.6 million pieces of data.
Tech for broadcasters
Technology hasn’t just transformed the way Formula One broadcasts F1 races to enthusiasts—streaming across multiple platforms and frequently incorporating interactive features like choosing particular camera angles—it also enhances the viewing experience for spectators through advanced broadcasting techniques.
Each track can extend up to six kilometers, providing a vast area where all the action unfolds," explains Adrian De Luca, Director of Cloud Acceleration at AWS for Asia Pacific and Japan. "Therefore, the data gathered and organized by AWS assists producers in narrating what transpires.
Vehicle data can additionally provide insights to broadcasting creators about upcoming events, allowing them to prepare relevant videos and graphics for their audience.
Data has predictive capabilities, like anticipating when an overtaking maneuver may occur," explains De Luca. "As the vehicles pass by, data is gathered through strategically positioned beacons spaced approximately 150 to 200 meters apart. These devices capture telemetry from all 20 cars and transmit this information to Formula 1’s main offices located in Biggin Hill.
De Luca mentions that over 500 terabytes of data gets gathered during each race weekend.
Technology is aiding broadcasters in various manners. In March 2024, the NHL teamed up with AWS to present the inaugural cloud-based broadcast, offering top-notch, tailored live game experiences with minimal equipment on-site, thereby reducing CO2 emissions by over two metric tons.
Technology can also make previously unseen coverage accessible. Although recordings exist, according to Souza, less than 15 percent of the over 30,000 strokes played during a PGA Tour event get broadcast on television. A tailored application could provide the rest of those 85 percent, complete with multilingual commentary generated using artificial intelligence.
For safety’s sake, too
Sensors, combined with artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud processing, are also being utilized to enhance player safety.
In the NFL, approximately 500 million data points are gathered each week. These insights help pinpoint players likely to get injured and enable coaches and owners to implement significant adjustments. According to Souza, these measures led to 700 fewer missed games during the most recent season. "This benefits everyone: star athletes wish to play, team owners have invested heavily in them, and supporters want to watch their preferred players," he adds.
In another instance of data analysis within the NFL, it was discovered that various player positions experienced hits differently, even when using identical helmets. Consequently, modern equipment now includes eight distinct helmet designs tailored to specific positions with the aim of decreasing the likelihood of head injuries like concussions.
No matter if they're scoring in the end zone or reaching the finish line, technology is enhancing more profound experiences for athletes, spectators, and broadcasters equally.
The article initially appeared on USA TODAY: How AI and cloud tech are reshaping Formula One racing