Data-driven Formula 1 is an example for organizations

Making real-time decisions with a data-centric platform is the only way to win! (Reduce costs, boost cash flow)

Decisions makers

According to Forrester research, 79% of all business leaders and other decision makers are under pressure (more than ever!) to achieve high growth targets. When organizations look at Formula 1, they see that winning can only be achieved by using a data-centric platform!

Formula 1 is the example where data is used to achieve results. Max Verstappen, for example, managed to win the Grand Prix at Silverstone in England by choosing a different strategy than competitor Mercedes. The choice to drive on hard tires while Mercedes drove on soft tires worked out very well. How does Red Bull use the incoming data?

An incident occurred during the Spanish Grand Prix where data and human interpretation were weighed against each other but the data was used to determine tactics. Max Verstappen indicated during the race that he needed new tires, but the data gave a different signal.

Engineer: “That’s increasing tail wind through turn seven, entry to exit.”
Max: “Tail wind, I don’t care, just tyres.”

Team boss Christian Horner said afterwards that Verstappen does not know what is being calculated behind the scenes. “He doesn’t have the whole picture, which the strategists do. He is ambitious and wants to push. However, you also hear that his engineer is very clear with him about what his job is.”

Data is key, Data centric a Must!

Strategic (not to mention operational) decision-making and data go hand in hand. Putting data at the heart of everything organizations do will improve operational speed and efficiency, and ultimately the customer experience. This is only possible if one operates from a data cerical platform.

Formula 1 has chosen to accelerate its cloud transformation by moving its IT infrastructure from on-premise data centers to AWS (Amazon’s Cloud Service). Leveraging AWS’s machine learning and data analytics services, racing strategies, data tracking systems and digital broadcasting are enhanced by a factor of 10.

Machine learning supports the analysis of data, but that is only possible by working from a data-centric platform. This is extremely important to be able to make real-time decisions. During each race, 3 GB of data is generated by 120 sensors on each car, and 1,500 data points are created every second.

Formula 1’s data scientists use deep-learning models (with 65 years of historical race data) to extract critical race performance stats, make race predictions and give fans insight into the split-second decisions and strategies of teams and drivers.

“For our needs, AWS outperforms all other cloud providers in terms of speed, scalability, reliability, global reach, partner community, and the breadth and depth of available cloud services,” said Pete Samara, Formula 1 director of innovation and digital technology. Leveraging AWS’ machine learning services, we can deliver these powerful insights and predictions to fans in real time. We are also excited that the Formula 1 Motorsports division will run high-performance computing workloads in a scalable environment on AWS. This will significantly increase the number and quality of simulations our aerodynamic team can perform as we work to develop the new car design rules for Formula 1.”

Digital Transformation 4.0 to win in business

Data and the insights that can be gained from it make the difference between organizations that win and those that fail. Organizations no longer have the ability to cling to outdated legacy systems. Thanks to the pandemic, digital transformation must even be accelerated. But what does Digital Transformation 4.0 mean and why is it more than switching to a Cloud system?

Datacentrism goes much further than just the IT environment. It is interwoven throughout the entire organization, so it is holistic. Digital Transformation 4.0 transforms the organization from 5 angles:

1. Digital strategy
2. Governance, Risk & Compliance
3. Business & IT operating model
4. Re-engineering the balance sheet
5. Behavioral change

The Digital Transformation 4.0 brings organizations through onboarding of Emerging Technologies. This reduces inauthentic applications by 85%, reduces redundant data by 88%, reduces operational costs and increases cash flow and revenue. In addition, the organization will become GDPR compliant and the people will be included in this change.