Formula E, the all-electric single-seater motor racing series, has expanded its AI and technology partnership with Google Cloud, the cloud computing arm of the global tech giant.
Under their new collaboration, the pair have developed Driver Agent – an AI-powered analytics tool, that will provide performance data, including lap times, speed, braking, acceleration, and downforce data, to drivers at all levels.
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Driver Agent is powered by Google Cloud’s Vertex AI platform and Gemini, Google’s large language model. It will provide real-time feedback to drivers via text or audio coaching to aid their development.
Beth Paretta, Formula E’s vice-president of sporting, said: “Formula E has always been a platform for innovation, and we are thrilled to partner with Google Cloud to push the boundaries of what's possible when you combine world-class technology with world-class motorsport.
“By developing and offering these cutting-edge tools, we are helping to create a future where racing talent is determined by skill, not resources, enabling a more diverse pool of drivers, especially women, to rise to the very top of our sport.”
The new tool builds on Formula E and Google Cloud's growing partnership, which was first struck last year. Through that deal, Formula E used the partnership to migrate its data to Google Cloud and employees to Google Workspace for collaboration.
The pair then expanded their partnership in January, with Google Cloud becoming Formula E’s official cloud technology services partner and official cloud security partner.
Under the expanded partnership, Formula E said it would “further enhance its capabilities through a range of initiatives”, which includes supercharging performance with generative AI (utilizing Google Cloud's Vertex AI platform and Gemini models), deepening fan engagement (through Google Cloud's gen AI-ready, unified data platform, BigQuery), enhancing cybersecurity (Google Cloud will provide advanced security measures to protect Formula E's data and operations within its cloud environment), and expanding the series’ GENBETA racing car development program.
The deal has been announced as the series gears up for the fourth round of Formula E’s 2024-25 season with the Miami E-Prix on April 12.
The 16-race calendar includes new race locations in Miami and Jeddah, a new double-header in Monaco, a double-header in Tokyo, Japan, and the return of Jakarta, Indonesia.
This marks the first time the new GEN3 EVO race car is being tested in public, which is supposed to be 30% faster than a current Formula 1 car.
Earlier this month, Formula E tapped hospitality firm Seat Unique to lead its premium in-venue experience offering for the remainder of 2024-25.
