This post was originally published on Pure Storage
Formula One race car technology has come a long way since the Grand Prix races of the 1920s and 30s—but data has always played a part.
Before high-performance computers and simulators generated terabytes of data to dictate designs, teams shaved down lap times by reducing weight and drag. (Fun fact: In 1934, removing paint to meet the weight limit revealed the silver bodywork of the car that earned the Silver Arrows’ its name.)
From Prototype to Podium
Today, F1 prototypes go through up to 25,000+ design changes a year, and every change is powered by rapid data analytics, simulations, modeling, and physics. The drivers may get the spotlight, but the cars they drive are possible thanks to the engineers, designers, and data scientists who craft them.
Every aspect of an F1 car, from its aerodynamics and downforce to its safety features, is based on data. The car designs go through rigorous testing, using state-of-the-art wind tunnels and simulators to perfect each element. This ensures that the prototype that hits the track is as close to flawless as possible.
Aerodynamics and Downforce: The Search for the Perfect Shape
When seconds, ounces, and inches are the difference between winning and losing, teams
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