AI and new data streams to give fans a unique viewing experience in 2019

In Formula One, data is everything. It is exactly why the Williams F1 team entered into a partnership with Acronis to keep all this vital date protected, backed-up and recoverable within seconds.

Of course, data is also of importance to fans of the sport. Graphics showing telemetry including car position on track, speeds, gear changes and more helping viewers gain a deeper understanding of exactly what is going on.

And thanks to a brand-new partnership with Amazon web services, fans will be able to get even closer to the action thanks to all new graphics from its Sagemaker tool.

During a recent talk at AWS re:Invent 2018, F1 motorsport director Ross Brawn explained how Artificial Intelligence will be used to give fans an even greater insight into the sport. Ross can be seen talking from 1:39.30 into the video above.

“We’re digging deeper to show you where the performance is coming from – when is a car faster, why is it faster?” said Brawn.

“For next season, we’re expanding F1 insights for our viewers. By further integrating the telemetry data, such as car position, the tyre condition, even the weather, we can use Sagemaker to predict car performance, pit-stops and race strategy. There will be some exciting new AI integrations into next year’s F1 TV broadcast.”

Brawn was able to demonstrate on screen during his talk, examples of where this data will produce dynamic information, such as Sebastian Vettel’s probability of overtaking Lewis Hamilton in the run down to Turn 1 at the Mexican Grand Prix.

“Using machine learning and using live data and historical data, we can use predictions of what’s going to happen. What’s great about this is that the teams don’t have all this data. We, as Formula One, know the data from both cars and we can make this comparison, that’s never been done before.

“Machine learning can help provide a proper analysis of the situation. We can bring that information to the fans and help them understand whether he’s in trouble or whether he can manage the situation. These are insights the teams always had but now we’re going to bring them out to the fans and show them what’s happening.”

It all makes for what will undoubtedly be a greatly enhanced viewing spectacle for the 2019 season, giving a unique insight as never seen before.