Mercedes-AMG Petronas Gains Consecutive Wins Thanks To Data Technology From TIBCO

Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, F1 constructors' champion eight seasons in a row. (photo: doc. tibco)

JAKARTA - TIBCO Software Inc., a global leader in enterprise data, has just announced its ongoing partnership with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team in F1 racing. Over the past season, the F1 team expanded the use of the TIBCO Spotfire platform in race simulations influencing current car setup and configuration decisions.

The team also expanded the use of the TIBCO Cost Visualizer Tool for detailed cost analysis across all financial and engineering-related data sources to comply with FIA cost limit regulations. These two technologies play an important role in the design, development, and engineering behind the performance of the all-new Mercedes-AMG F1 W13 EQ.

"With a number of COVID-19 protocols, new rules, a new set of circuits, and a full schedule putting enormous pressure on everyone, this year has been a challenging year for all teams," said Michael O'Connell, Chief Analytics Officer, TIBCO, in its release to VOI.

“As the racing season arrives, the use of digital twin technology and race simulation plays an important role in optimizing the car's performance and maintaining the championship title in a highly competitive environment,” added O'Connell.

The company forges ongoing partnerships on innovation both on and off the track. The TIBCO Spotfire platform allows Mercedes-AMG Petronas to understand the factors that affect a car's performance and allows updating the car configuration throughout the race weekend.

With new and modified circuits, twin technology-based simulations play a critical role in the team's success. The team used the Spotfire platform to analyze simulations and assess the effect of the car's customizable configuration parameters, including suspension, front and rear wings, and aerodynamics on the car's performance.

Working with digital twin technology on the car, the team performed multiple simulations, using a combination of adjustable parameters to assess the car's performance on track.

The simulation results are then used to tune the car and configure it throughout the race weekend. This evolving car setup and configuration was critical to the car's performance, especially in the final set of races in America and the Middle East, in the fierce battle for the championship.

"Racing has become something more than just a car. We need to provide all the information a driver needs about the car he was driving that day, the circuit, and the various conditions in order for him to get the best performance. All of that comes from data," said Michael Taylor, IT Director, Mercedes-AMG Petronas.

"Our partnership with TIBCO becomes even more important as we use data to create a better view of each race through simulation. The TIBCO Cost Visualizer Tool also provides value and cost information from design, workmanship to track performance. This gives us an edge in planning and execution at every race and throughout the season," said Taylor.