Tata announces $50,000 F1 Innovation Connectivity Prize

To participate, F1 fans and technology enthusiasts will have to complete two challenges over the course of the year, with the focus on innovation, IT and creative skills.

The first challenge, which was unveiled today, involves designing an Internet of Things (IoT) solution that helps defending champions Mercedes to increase its competitiveness in three areas: human performance, race operations and logistics management.

The participants must come up with ideas that allows the German manufacturer to track, monitor and manage people, tools etc in real-time.

Specifically, the list includes “minimising the impact of jet lag on engineers and drivers, maximising the performance of an array of off-car components, such as tyre blankets and data storage units, and ensuring the timely arrival of freight at each race venue.”

The closing date of the first challenge is 15th June, 2017. The second challenge will be unveiled in the run-up to the British Grand Prix on 13th July, 2017.

Six participants - three from each challenge - will travel to Abu Dhabi for the final selection round, where one of them will win the grand prize of $50,000 (approx INR 32,00,000).

The jury will comprise of triple world champion Lewis Hamilton, F1 CTO John Morrison, reputed commentators Martin Brundle and James Allen, and F1’s sporting director Ross Brawn as a guest judge.

“Formula 1 is all about new technologies and pushing the boundaries as far as we can; that’s what I love about the sport,” said Hamilton.

“The ‘Internet of Things’ has the potential to bring huge competitive advantages to our team’s operations, and change how fans experience the sport too. That’s what makes it so exciting. I can’t wait to see the ideas from fans for this challenge.”

Tata Communication is an official partner of Formula 1 and the Mercedes AMG team.