“We’ve got so much data, one and a half terabytes. What we need is the good data,” said Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, during a recent interview. In today’s fast-paced motorsports, AI and data are disrupting how teams and drivers perform, making racing as much a battle of technology as it is of speed.
At McLaren, AI plays a crucial role in deciphering the vast amounts of data generated during a race.
“AI helps us sift through what is the good data, what is the data that we really need,” Brown explained. With over 300 sensors on the car and millions of simulations before each race, finding actionable insights is essential to gaining a competitive edge.
Brown paid attention to how technology has transformed racing into a data-driven sport.
“We run fifty million simulations leading into and over a race weekend of different scenarios,” said Brown. These simulations allow the team to plan for every possible outcome, from tire wear to race strategy, ensuring they are always prepared for unpredictable elements during the race.
But it’s not just about the cars; drivers must also adapt to the growing role of technology. Brown observed: “The real challenge is how much information they can take in and not get distracted from driving.” With over 300 adjustments they can make on the steering wheel alone, drivers are now expected to absorb a staggering amount of data while navigating the track at high speeds.
For McLaren, AI is more than just a tool — it’s a critical component of their racing strategy.
“AI is giving me more horsepower, more performance. It’s making us smarter, faster, more productive, and more efficient,” said Brown, expressing his excitement about the future. As the racing world becomes more reliant on AI and data, McLaren remains at the forefront, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in motorsport.
