Motorsport and AI

Artificial Intelligence is undoubtedly becoming a significant tool in several sectors. Motorsport is no different. How is AI used and what is in store for the future?

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Since the widespread of AI is inevitable, Formula 1 - as well as other racing series - is gradually incorporating different technologies. The importance of Artificial Intelligence is undeniable and growing strongly.

Motorsport as a whole is driven by data: lap times, tyre degradation, top speeds ... furthermore, Motorsport is all about velocity. Thanks to AI, teams are able to make split-second decisions during races - for example, when it comes to optimal pit stops without significant time loss. Some AI systems, such as Epicor, can find patterns in competitors' behaviour and do millions of calculations in real-time. Other systems predict the performance of cars in different situations, preparing various scenarios. This allows teams to adapt better to changing conditions.

“If it's a decision related to pitting, you may only have a third of a lap before the car passes the pit lane, and after that, you’ve lost your opportunity, so you need to be fast," says Andrew McHutchon, the Head of Data Science at McLaren, "you could have terabytes and terabytes to analyse, which could take half a day or more to answer just one question without AI.” During after-race debriefs, engineers can analyse gathered data much quicker. AI systems can also monitor the physical and mental condition of the drivers. Such data are later used to ensure the racers are in the best shape possible.

Artificial Intelligence saves time not only on track but at the factory as well, where it saves resources. Teams no longer have to spend hours performing hundreds of different simulations, programs show them on what areas they should focus. This is useful for the future development of components.

“Previously, we've collected data that we didn't know what to do with, but now, with AI and by working with Dell Technologies’ AI Factory, we can process the data in a much richer way to extract meaningful learnings from it,” - Andrew McHutchon, Head of Data Science at McLaren

It is not only teams that benefit from Artificial Intelligence - spectators as well. Formula 1, in cooperation with AWS, offers numerous predictions, statistics, and historical facts during the broadcast. This addition can increase fan engagement, giving them deeper insight into the work of engineers and strategists. The data offered by AWS turns out to be beneficial also for the commentators. “To me, AI is a massive help to the commentators and the audience to help understand how a story is developing, what I don’t ever want to see is it telling people how the story will end," David Croft told Autosport, “live sport in unpredictable and joyous and heartbreaking in equal measure depending on who you follow, so as long as it never spoils the outcome then what we are getting is fantastic.

Formula E also heavily uses AI, mostly to simulate various race scenarios to optimize energy use as battery management is crucial. In the same way as F1, also Formula E uses Artificial Intelligence during the TV transmission in the form of a so-called 'virtual race engineer', bringing different predictions based on the ongoing action.

Another example of AI in motorsport we have to mention is the idea of autonomous competitions. There have been competitions featuring vehicles that, thanks to AI, can race without a driver. It is Indy Autonomous Challenge, but mainly Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League, that even broadcast their races on YouTube. Eight teams compete for the prize money of over 2 million dollars. Cars used in the series are identical with each team developing their own AI code. Autonomous racing may be an ambitious concept pushing the world of technologies to new limits. However, taking out the human element may cause disinterest rather than excitement.

Artificial Intelligence brought revolution to the world of racing. The speed with which it is able to solve complex problems can be a game-changer during a race. It is a symbiotic relationship. Whereas AI companies yearn to be a part of such a complex sport, teams are able to develop their cars quicker and bring them closer to their coveted trophy.