NetApp Boosts Aston Martin F1 With Data Expertise

Aston Martin F1 released a statement about their performance at the Monaco Grand Prix. The team did not manage to secure any points in the race. They struggled with their car's handling and lack of pace on the street circuit. The drivers, Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll, finished in 13th and 14th place respectively. The team is now looking to improve their performance for the French Grand Prix.

Timing is crucial in sports, especially in determining who wins and who loses. Accurate data is essential for success. Even a small delay or mistake can result in losing out on a significant opportunity. Overcoming such challenges requires a proactive approach. Being ahead of the curve can make the difference between winning and losing. It is critical to have access to the right information at the right time. For athletes, coaches, and team owners, good data is the key to success.

All Formula 1 teams have spent a lot of money on IT in the past ten years. Technology systems are as important as engines and tyres.

NetApp and Aston Martin F1 (AMF1) have formed a big partnership. TechRadar Pro went to the team's Silverstone HQ to learn more about it.

Why Speed Is Necessary

Clare Lansley, CIO of AMF1, says her job is to make cars faster using technology. Technology is everywhere in the car industry.

Formula 1 is a worldwide sport. Teams come from places like Australia, Singapore, Canada, and Brazil. Also, there are many races in Europe.

Formula 1 teams are in Europe. It's important to send data at any time. The right information means winning. Pit stops and mechanical tweaks need the right info.

In 2021, AMF1 joined the sport of Formula 1. Their aim is to be the first modern team. They have technology partnerships to help them achieve this goal.

NetApp is famous for its cloud and storage tech. It gives the team services they need to reach their goals. These services are key to the team's success.

The racetrack has two FlexPod devices. NetApp's Matt Watts said they were powerful and high-capacity. These devices make the IT infrastructure at the racetrack simpler.

Lansley and her team get an empty concrete shell at F1 races. They want systems that are simple and easy to use - like the engineers. They like things that "plug and play" without any complications.

The FlexPod items are very important and are carefully handled. They help the team gather more data and provide more trackside capabilities. They also replace old and complicated systems that weighed too much.

Freight costs are pricey at $500 per kilogram. Formula 1 teams have a strict cost cap, so saving money is important. Using lighter IT systems helps save money, which can be used for car development and hiring more engineers.

At the AMF1 headquarters, there's something called "Mission Control." About 50-60 people work there. They look at the data from one weekend of racing. There's a lot of data - around 440GB!

NetApp uses SnapMirror replication technology to quickly send data to mission control. The data is compressed for faster movement. Engineers and strategists then use simulation models to make the best race choices.

Lansley uses the 2023 Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melborne as an example. Teams have little time to choose their car set-up after free practice sessions before qualifying for the race. The distance from AMF1's UK home is on the opposite side of the world.

In Formula 1, there's a short two-hour window between two sessions. It's the briefest time of any race. To maximize their time, AMF1 uses NetApp SnapMirror technology. It reduced their data access time to under 10 minutes from 20. With the saved time, the team can choose the right set-up. That boosted their qualifying performance to P3 and P4. It's their best this season.

Lansley wants technology that's not too advanced. He wants to be able to get an advantage over his competitors. The world is always changing so he needs to be able to make quick decisions. Flexibility is important to him.

To do good in F1, we need good technology. Before making plans, technology should be set up first. This applies to any business.

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