The Impact of AWS on F1: Powering Innovation for the Future of Racing


Tanuja Randery, AWS Managing Director, EMEA, on the grid with Stefano Domenicali, CEO,
Formula 1 - Photo by: Mark Sutton 



 Formula 1's plans for a radical shift in car and engine rules for 2026 have generated excitement and intrigue in recent weeks. With an increased focus on electrification and a 50-50 power split from the battery and combustion engine, the sport faces challenges concerning energy management and aerodynamics. However, behind closed doors, F1 chiefs and the FIA have been quietly working on designs to address these concerns, thanks in part to their partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS). In this blog post, we explore the crucial role of AWS in revolutionizing F1's car design process and how it is shaping the future of racing.


F1's collaboration with AWS has been instrumental in creating significant advancements in car design and performance. By tapping into AWS's powerful servers and cloud infrastructure, F1 gained access to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations with performance equivalent to a state-of-the-art supercomputer, all at a fraction of the cost. This shift was particularly transformative for F1's development of the all-new ground effect cars introduced in 2022.


Before AWS's involvement, running a single CFD simulation for F1 required around 60 hours. However, with AWS's technology, this process was dramatically accelerated to just 10 hours per simulation, with the added benefit of being able to run multiple simulations simultaneously. This speed and efficiency enabled F1's engineering team to tackle complex challenges, such as analysing two cars closely following each other, which significantly influenced the car's aerodynamic performance in close racing situations.


The value of AWS's contribution extends beyond just computational power. With AWS's support, F1's relatively small team of engineers and aero experts had the means to take on larger teams from individual racing teams. By having access to AWS's computing resources, F1's rule-making team could level the playing field and engage in a more competitive and innovative process.


The impact of AWS's partnership with F1 has already been evident in the 2022 car designs. These cars have shown improvements in downforce and wake control, making it easier for drivers to follow closely without losing grip and predictability. The ability to simulate and analyse different scenarios has been crucial in understanding the physics at play during close racing, ultimately resulting in more exciting and competitive races.


Looking ahead to 2026, the F1-FIA partnership with AWS holds the potential to transform the sport further. By continuing to leverage AWS's powerful computing capabilities, F1 aims to make its aerodynamic design process even more sophisticated and efficient. This will help maintain the delicate balance between fostering innovation and ensuring competitive racing.


One of the key challenges for the 2026 regulations is to align the objectives of F1's engineering teams and the rule makers. By striking this balance, F1 can create a set of rules that encourage creativity and performance without compromising the essence of close racing and excitement on the track.


Reflecting on the past, the stark contrast between F1's approach to car design in 2009 and its current partnership with AWS is evident. The failure of the 2009 rules overhaul demonstrated the limitations of low finance and prehistoric design methods. In contrast, the sophisticated simulations and design work supported by AWS have significantly improved F1's car designs, setting the stage for a brighter future.


As the countdown to 2026 continues, the collaboration between F1 and AWS remains a critical driving force behind the sport's evolution. By harnessing the power of AWS's computing prowess, F1 is empowering its engineering team to innovate, challenge the status quo, and deliver even more thrilling racing experiences for fans worldwide.


AWS's role in shaping F1's future exemplifies the potential of technology to revolutionize motorsport and elevate the sport to new heights of performance and competitiveness. With the right blend of innovation and collaboration, F1 and AWS are fuelling the next era of racing excellence.


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