How Google’s Gemini is Set to Transform Formula E Racing

The integration of generative AI (Gen AI) into professional sports marks a transformation in how athletes train, compete and engage with fans. While language models analyse game footage in football and computer vision systems track player movements in basketball, motorsport presents unique challenges for AI implementation due to the complexity of vehicle dynamics and split-second decision making.

Formula E – the world's first all-electric FIA World Championship racing series – has now expanded its technology partnership with Google Cloud to address these challenges through AI deployment across its operations. The multi-year agreement coincides with Formula E’s GEN3 Evo era of racing cars and represents one of motorsport's most comprehensive implementations of Gen AI technology.

Google Cloud Vertex AI drives performance analysis

The partnership centres on the deployment of Google Cloud’s Vertex AI platform, an enterprise machine learning system that enables organisations to train and deploy AI models at scale. The platform processes telemetry data from Formula E cars to generate driver performance insights and real-time feedback during races.

Formula E will integrate Google’s Gemini large language models to analyse race data and generate personalised coaching recommendations for drivers. The system processes vehicle telemetry, track conditions and historical performance data to optimise racing strategies, including tyre management and energy consumption patterns.

“We’re thrilled to announce an enhanced multi-year partnership with Google Cloud that will increase our technological capabilities,” says Jeff Dodds, Chief Executive Officer at Formula E, noting that the partnership “will deliver a step-change for the series in how we're able to continue producing some of the most exciting racing in the world.”

AI-powered fan engagement transforms racing experience

Also as part of the agreement, Formula E will implement BigQuery, Google Cloud’s serverless data warehouse, to integrate with its customer relationship management systems. The platform enables real-time analysis of multiple data streams, including video feeds, vehicle telemetry and social media engagement metrics to generate personalised content for viewers.

The integration of generative AI will also reshape how fans interact with the sport. Machine learning models analyse viewer preferences and engagement patterns to create tailored race commentary, statistical insights and predictive analytics for race outcomes.

The partnership builds on Formula E’s existing migration of its operational data to Google Cloud's infrastructure and adoption of Google Workspace for internal collaboration. This foundation has enabled the racing series to centralise its data operations and improve team communication through AI-enhanced collaboration tools.

Security infrastructure forms a core component of the partnership, with Google Cloud providing threat intelligence systems and incident response capabilities to protect Formula E's cloud-based operations. The agreement designates Google Cloud as Formula E's Official Cloud Security Partner, reflecting the critical role of data protection in AI-driven motorsport.

The security framework includes specific provisions for protecting AI models and training data, addressing emerging challenges in machine learning security and model governance.

Tara Brady, President of Google Cloud EMEA, says: “With Google Cloud’s Gen AI tools and advanced data analytics, including our Vertex AI platform and Gemini models, we’re helping Formula E supercharge innovation in motorsport. Together, we’re pushing the boundaries of sustainable racing, redefining what's possible on and off the track.”

Sustainability through AI

As the only sport certified net zero carbon since its inception, Formula E’s partnership with Google Cloud aligns with both organisations’ environmental commitments. Machine learning models optimise energy usage during races and help teams develop more efficient racing strategies.

Formula E maintains a network of teams, manufacturers, partners, broadcasters and host cities focused on accelerating sustainable technology development through motorsport. The championship brings racing events to urban locations, demonstrating electric vehicle capabilities in real-world environments.

“With continued growth of the series and an ever growing fanbase of nearly 400 million, it is no surprise that our new and longstanding partner portfolio is seeing increasing value in one of the most innovative sports on the planet,” says Jeff.

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