AT&T Shows the Importance of Data in F1 Racing

In Formula 1, a hundredth of a second can be the difference between winning and losing. Having near real time data is crucial in providing that competitive edge.

Only 60 of Aston Martin Red Bull Racing's 800-strong team are trackside. By feeding information back to the team's headquarters in Milton Keynes in virtually real-time, using 100 sensors fitted to the car, AT&T empowers Aston Martin Red Bull Racing's engineers and technicians to back up team principal Christian Horner on race day.

Ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, AT&T spoke to Christian Horner and Dutch driver Max Verstappen to get their thoughts on the race, the importance of data and the changing nature of Formula 1 (F1).

Q&A with Max Verstappen, F1 driver, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Team (Dutch driver)

Why is data so important and how has it changed F1 racing in recent years?

Of course it’s getting more and more advanced every single year and you try to improve every single bit that you can to go faster. You’re really dependent on the data because at the end of the day it will make your car go faster or see if something is breaking down.

Do you recall any specific moments where insights from data have helped you gain advantage or take a different approach in a race?

Data helps both when preparing for a race and after to see what is breaking down and what can be improved to help you go faster. The 24/7 support and insights we receive from partners such as AT&T means we are able to constantly track and work on improving our performance all the time.

In my first race for Aston Martin Red Bull Racing, the Spanish GP in 2016, we were initially behind in the running, however the data analysis of the tires showed their performance was better than Friday’s practice sessions, allowing us to go longer in the first stint. This gave us the advantage to take win. And it was my first win in Formula 1. It was an incredible day!

What is the nature of AMRBR’s relationship with AT&T? How does this partnership help you bring out the best in your performances?

AT&T’s network provides my team with real-time data and connects us to our base in Milton Keynes.  Their technology solutions help increase reaction and response times.  In a nutshell, AT&T products help me and my crew communicate and work together more efficiently and quickly

Christian Horner (team principal of RBR) – Q&A

Why is data so important and how has it changed F1 racing in recent years?

Data and more importantly data delivery is a key element of contemporary Formula 1 racing. The cars in this current hybrid era are such complicated and technical beasts that, not only can we gather vast amounts of information throughout all components of the car, in order to be competitive it is a prerequisite. The delivery of the data from the track to the operations room back at the factory allows for real time analysis and strategy calls back to the pit wall in the heat of a race influences performance and race results. Data, data collection and delivery are a vital part of F1 racing.

How does your partnership with AT&T help AMRBR’s drivers make the best out of their performances?

We value AT&T's contribution to the team very highly and consider the products and services they provide as mission-critical to our operation at the race track. The more data we can gather, the more comprehensive our analysis can be, and, ultimately, the more accurate decisions are in the development of the cars, as well as during the race.

As an example, a major factor in our success at the Chinese Grand Prix last month (April 15) were the strategic decisions made by the Team in real-time, involving people at trackside working closely with people back our U.K. HQ in Milton Keynes.  They made those decisions quickly, despite thousands of miles distance from Shanghai to Milton Keynes, thanks to the near real-time speed of the data shared across the network.

In fact, even in Australia, it takes about 300 milli-seconds for data to travel between the Melbourne Grand Prix and Milton Keynes!

What advice would you give to others hoping to follow in your footsteps?

From my perspective and background, you have to love racing! That’s certainly the first point…  Overall though, in the job as team principal for Aston Martin Red Bull Racing I wear a number of different hats: corporate CEO, entrepreneur, marketer, man-manager, media representative, event host, psychologist, politician, to name just a few. It’s all encompassing and you have to be prepared for any eventuality and not let events steer you or those around you from focus on your main mission. Relationships are very important. Formula 1 is a people business. Finding the right people, working with the right people and allowing them the freedom and support to do their jobs and them well is important and certainly my philosophy as a team principal. Formula 1 and the challenge and drive to be competitive is so engrossing. It has to be a personal passion.