Red Bull plans to use AI to boost F1 car performance

Red Bull is investigating the potential of AI to extract car performance in F1.

Red Bull plans to use AI to boost F1 car performance

Max Verstappen during the Hungarian GP with Sergio Perez in the background (image via Motorsport week)

Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport. The sport is known for its technical strides and innovation, with teams investing hundreds of millions annually. Artificial Intelligence or AI has ambushed the world in recent times as more and more AI gets involved in our lives. Now, Red Bull Chief Engineer Craig Skinner revealed that the Austrian team is considering using AI in Formula 1.

Skinner admitted, “It’s a field that is being investigated. And it has its uses I think.” Although the Red Bull Chief Engineer affirmed that to get AI to increase car performance, first the team personnel would need to teach how to make gains in this regard. This, in turn, would require the teams to understand where developments can be made before getting the help of AI.

Craig Skinner explained, “With AI you’ve got to teach it. You need to teach it what it’s looking for. So ultimately it comes back to again having the understanding in the first place of what you’re actually looking for.”

Skinner mentioned that Red Bull is exploring its options regarding Artificial Intelligence. However, it would continue to have its shortcomings as teams would first understand the possible avenues to extract performance. He said, “So yes, we do use it and we are investigating it. But ultimately, it all comes down to how much you understand the problem in the first place.”

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Red Bull remains undefeated in 2023 so far

Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez celebrating on the Hungarian GP podium (image via South China Morning Post)
Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez celebrating on the Hungarian GP podium (image via South China Morning Post)

The Milton Keynes-based team perhaps doesn’t need to worry about AI’s drawbacks in F1 for now. Red Bull has dominated the sport since the new ground-effect rules were introduced in 2022. Max Verstappen has annihilated the competition this season with nine race victories in the first 11 races, including a seven-race win streak.

The Austrian team is keen on further solidifying its advantage throughout this season. Red Bull introduced a revolutionary upgrade at the Hungarian GP that was way ahead of its competitors. The Milton Keynes-based team has even accomplished the most consecutive race victories for an F1 team with its twelfth win at the Hungaroring.

Thus, Red Bull is open to using Artificial Intelligence in Formula 1. The Austrian team has already highlighted the potential limitations of using AI regarding car performance. Although, it would take some time before Milton Keynes truly adopted its usage to extract more pace from the car. Fans would be eager to see how AI could change the sport.

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