In the fast-paced world of Formula 1, every microsecond counts. Data management has become a pivotal factor in ensuring a place on the podium, as Aston Martin F1 and NetApp partnership has shown. Their collaboration provides a fascinating insight into how “NetApp FlexPod in Formula 1” operations can significantly enhance performance.
NetApp Flexpod Boosts Aston Martin F1’s Performance
Every Formula 1 team has heavily invested in IT over the past decade, making advanced technology systems nearly as essential as an engine and tyres. At the forefront of this technological evolution is the partnership between cloud experts NetApp and Aston Martin F1 (AMF1).
“The technology is endemic throughout the industry,” says Clare Lansley, CIO, AMF1, underscoring the fact that in this modern era, technology plays an instrumental role in making the car go faster.
The Crucial Role of Cloud Technology in F1
With Formula 1 now a truly global sport, teams find themselves in diverse locations, from Australia and Singapore to Canada and Brazil. Data transmission in Formula 1 has become a necessity, ensuring the right information reaches the teams when they need it most.
AMF1’s ambitious goal of being the “first truly modern Formula 1 team” emphasizes its commitment to technology, with partners like NetApp playing a significant role in their strategy. As a pioneer in cloud and storage capabilities, NetApp provides critical services that significantly enhance AMF1’s performance.
FlexPod: The Game-Changer for Aston Martin F1
NetApp’s FlexPod compute and storage devices have been instrumental in this pursuit. Lansley refers to these systems as “an incredibly powerful, and also high capacity system” that greatly simplifies the IT infrastructure at a racetrack. Not only do they make data management more efficient but also less cumbersome—literally. Freight costs run around $500 per kilogram, meaning the shift to lighter IT systems also results in significant cost savings for the team.
How Every Second Counts in Formula 1 Racing
Every race weekend generates approximately 440GB of telemetry data, which is analysed by 50-60 team members back at AMF1’s ‘Mission Control’. NetApp’s SnapMirror technology compresses the data for faster transmission, which is then used to feed simulation models and predict the best race choices.
Take the example of the 2023 Australian Grand Prix – AMF1 cut its data access time from 20 minutes to under 10 with NetApp SnapMirror technology. This improved efficiency led to a P3 and P4 in qualifying, the team’s best performance of the season.
“We’re already in the future – I don’t want bleeding edge, I want it embryonic, so I can gain a competitive advantage,” says Lansley, highlighting the impact of flexible and robust technology on their racing strategy.
In the high-stakes world of Formula 1 racing, technology isn’t just a support tool – it’s a necessity. The importance of data analysis in motor sports is continually evolving, and teams like AMF1 are setting the pace, proving that with the right technology, the race to the podium begins long before the starting lights go out.
