How Formula 1 Uses AWS SageMaker To Enhance Race Strategies
Amazon SageMaker changes the game for F1 to provide real-time predictions and insights to fans.
At230 mph and zooming around corners with 5Gs of force, F1 drivers need a technology that can keep up with their blistering speed.
The AWS cloud not only keeps up with the race cars but is also helping F1 change the game digitally.
With their innovative use of AWS, through machine learning models and high-performance computing, F1 is able to transform the sport of racing.
Here is how AWS is responsible for enhancing racing experiences for race engineers, drivers, data analysts, and fans alike.
Transforming The Sport
AWS’s cloud innovation is changing how F1 collects, analyzes, and leverages data and content to make decisions.
With 300 sensors on each F1 race car generating more than 1.1 million data points per second transmitted from the cars to the pit, F1 is a truly data-driven sport.
Increasing Action on the Track
F1 uses data generated by AWS to improve the performance of both vehicles and drivers.
Thanks to AWS’s high-performance computing, F1 was able to run aerodynamic simulations to develop next-gen vehicles 70% faster than ever before.
These simulations led to the creation of cars that reduced the downforce loss from 50% to 15%. [1]
This next-generation model was introduced in 2022 and provided chasing drivers a higher chance of overtaking their opponents and offered fans a heightened action experience.
F1 is also exploring using machine learning services as a way to engage the fans.
By using distinct data points to inform each insight, F1 lets fans understand how drivers make split-second decisions as well as how teams come up with race strategies that impact the outcome of a race.
Here is a look at some of the most notable analytics features.
Battle Forecast
Using track history and the projected driver pace, Battle Forecast can predict and display in real-time how many laps before a chasing car is likely to overtake their opponent.
Pit Strategy Battle
The pit strategy battle graphic provides fans with insights into how successful each driver’s strategy will be in real time.
Fans can track subtle strategy changes and see the impact on the final outcome.
Close to the Wall
Close to the wall provides fans with a unique view of exactly how close an F1 car gets to the wall during intense corner navigations.
F1 calculates the distance from the wall to the car’s tires using special cameras combined with a fusion of deep neural networks and computer vision algorithms.
This is achieved in 4 steps; frame acquisition, detecting the car’s movement, estimating the trajectory, and outputting the algorithm.
Predicted Pit Stop Strategy
Historical data is used to calculate race strategies during the formation lap, comparing predicted tire and race strategies.
This prediction allows fans to see when a driver should strategically make their next pit stop.
Undercut Threat
An undercut in racing is one of the most tense moments that the technical team faces during a race. A successful undercut can potentially win a race.
The undercut threat graphic brings fans closer to the world of f1 strategists where these split-second decisions can win or lose championship races.
AWS Services Used By F1
“For our needs, AWS outperforms all other cloud providers, in speed, scalability, reliability, global reach, partner community, and breadth and depth of cloud services available.” — Pete Samara, Director of Innovation and Digital Technology At Formula 1 [2]
The intelligent race strategies offered to fans are only made possible with various AWS services, including Amazon SageMaker, Kinesis, AWS Lambda, and other analytics services.
By streaming real-time data to AWS using Amazon Kinesis, F1 can capture and process key performance data for each car during every twist and turn in the F1 circuit.
By deploying machine learning models with Amazon SageMaker, F1 can pinpoint how a driver is performing and whether or not drivers are exerting themselves over the limit.
By sharing these insights with television and digital platforms, F1 can offer fans breathtaking experiences and a look at the inner workings of races and drivers.
To power its video assets workflow, F1 uses AWS Elemental Media Services; a service that allows users to prepare, process, and deliver live content and video workflows in the cloud.
Conclusion
AWS’s cutting-edge cloud technology is revolutionizing Formula 1 racing and enhancing the sport with its data analysis capabilities and real-time insights.
By leveraging AWS’s machine learning models and high-performance computing, F1 not only improves car and driver performance but also provides immersive experiences for fans.
👋 My name is Uriel Bitton and I’m committed to helping you master Serverless, Cloud Computing, and AWS.
🚀 If you want to learn how to build serverless, scalable, and resilient applications, you can subscribe to my blog:
https://medium.com/@atomicsdigital/subscribe
Thanks for reading and see you in the next one!