How Big Data is Shaping F1

In this week’s blog, Lydia Ford our Lead Talent Partner and F1 super fan looks at how big data is shaping F1.

As recruiters in the automotive industry, we share a passion for cars, from the everyday vehicles we drive to the pinnacle of motorsport: Formula 1. And just like EMBS, F1 is being completely reshaped by data. It's influencing everything from how a car is designed to the split-second decisions made during a race.

How Big Data Drives F1 Performance

Ever wonder how F1 teams seem to pull off those incredible strategies or find extra tenths of a second? It all comes down to a colossal amount of data.

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Each F1 car is packed with hundreds of sensors, collecting staggering amounts of information – terabytes of data – over a single race weekend

This includes everything from how air flows over the car (aerodynamics), to tyre temperatures and wear, how the engine and gearbox are performing, what the suspension is doing and even some basic information about the driver. This constant stream of real-time and historical data gives teams an unparalleled opportunity to learn and improve.

From Raw Numbers to Race Wins

So, what do teams do with all this data? Dedicated teams of data scientists and engineers, armed with super-smart computer programmes, make sense of it all. Sensors on the car constantly beam data wirelessly back to the pit wall and the factory, where it's cleaned and stored.

Then comes the magic - real-time analysis. During every session, engineers at the track and factory watch live data streams on custom dashboards to spot trends or problems instantly. After each session, and throughout the season, they dive deeper. This involves analysing car setup and driver performance to find ways to go faster, running millions of race simulations to plan pit stops and tire strategies, and even predicting potential breakdowns using past data. They also discreetly analyse rival teams to understand their strengths and weaknesses.

The Future of F1 Data

Like the business world, the role of data in Formula 1 is only going to get bigger. We can expect to see even more advanced AI and machine learning giving deeper insights and even suggesting race strategies on their own. We'll also see more data processed directly on the car or at the track, allowing for even faster decisions. And who knows, maybe even integrating external weather data or competitor social media sentiment for a truly holistic view.

For us F1 fans, understanding how data analytics works behind the scenes adds another thrilling layer to the sport. It's not just about the brave drivers or the incredible machines; it's about the relentless pursuit of information and the clever use of that information to gain that tiny, yet crucial, edge on the track.  

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