First-ever AI-generated Formula One trophy debuts at Montreal Grand Prix
Technology
AI to provide its broadcasting team with rapid access to historical facts
(Web Desk) - The winner of this year’s Montreal leg of the Formula One Grand Prix is in for another surprise: the competition’s first-ever artificial intelligence- (AI) generated trophy design.
Created by Formula One’s title partner, Amazon Web Services (AWS), this will be a history-making moment for the sport.
AWS initially explored traditional and elegant designs but opted to utilize generative AI instead. They found that the AI-created designs were interesting and worthy of turning into real objects.
AWS incorporated data from the development of the 2022 series F1 cars into the design. The company’s cloud technology was used throughout the design process, so the data they had to hand was an obvious source of inspiration.
This included the cars’ modeled aerodynamic wake and details related to the race’s host nation. In the case of Montreal, this included the iconic maple leaf and Montreal’s St. Lawrence River.
First-ever AI-designed F1 trophy
Innovation has been a cornerstone of Formula One since its inception in the 1950s. However, integrating AI for the artistic side of things is definitely a novel approach.
Nevertheless, some elements will stick to tradition. Once the winning design was selected, a UK silversmith was tasked with crafting the trophy.
Formula One has also announced that it will integrate AI into other aspects of the sport now and into the future. This will help Formula One analyze historical data from its archives.
This information could prove invaluable for its broadcasting crew to provide near-instantaneous access to facts and statistics. Called Statbot, it will, for instance, give the team with answers to specific questions on the spot.
This could include inquiries like “When was the last time a driver won their first F1 Grand Prix as a rookie?” Information is currently researched manually in preparation for and during race weekends.
The Statbot tool will allow the production team to access relevant information significantly faster during the broadcast. F1 is also working with AWS to use generative AI for root cause analysis (RCA) to more quickly identify and address the underlying cause of technological issues that occur during races.
This tool will allow F1 to investigate system errors by asking questions using natural language, helping to maintain operational performance, minimize downtime, and ensure a seamless race experience for teams, drivers, and spectators.
A history-making moment for F1
Commenting on the new trophy, Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer of Formula 1, said, “For over six years, AWS has been an invaluable partner, revolutionizing the use of data to enhance how we operate across the sport.”
“Our worlds continue to merge as we look to game-changing technologies, like generative AI, to elevate both the on-track competition and off-track experience for fans.”
