In the high-octane world of motorsport, milliseconds make the difference between pole position and the back of the grid. But behind every lap is a wealth of data—information that, until now, has been the preserve of top-tier teams with deep pockets and elite engineers. That’s changing, thanks to an innovative partnership between Formula E and Google Cloud.
Together, they’ve developed the Driver Agent, an AI-powered coaching tool that promises to level the playing field in racing by making elite performance insights accessible to drivers of all backgrounds.
The Future of Coaching: Real-Time, AI-Driven, and Accessible
Built on Google Cloud’s Vertex AI platform and powered by its cutting-edge Gemini large language models, the Driver Agent is revolutionising the way drivers train and improve. By connecting to Formula E’s professional-grade simulators, the AI analyses critical telemetry data—such as lap times, braking patterns, acceleration, g-forces, and downforce—and provides immediate, personalised feedback via audio or text.
“The introduction of Driver Agent is going to be a game-changer for drivers on and off the track,” said Barnaby Voss, UKI & Partner Marketing Director at Google Cloud. “By democratising access to high-level performance data, it enables drivers to refine their skills, regardless of resources or team size.”
From Simulation to Real-World Impact
Behind the scenes, the system runs a complex workflow. Racing simulators generate detailed logs, which are uploaded to Google Cloud Storage. These logs are then processed through a pipeline involving Cloud Run, BigQuery, and Gemini—creating interactive heatmaps, acceleration graphs, and comparisons against benchmark laps set by professional Formula E drivers.
The result is a coaching system that mirrors the support provided by race engineers in real-time, without the need for expensive infrastructure or staff.
Making Talent Count—Not Budgets
Formula E has always positioned itself at the forefront of innovation—being the first all-electric FIA World Championship is testament to that. But this new initiative marks a shift towards inclusion and accessibility, with the Driver Agent serving as a digital mentor for aspiring racers around the world.
“Formula E has always been a platform for innovation,” said Beth Paretta, Vice President, Sporting at Formula E. “By developing and offering these cutting-edge tools, we’re creating a future where racing talent is determined by skill, not resources.”
The Driver Agent is already being piloted within the championship and is set for a wider rollout across the sport, with Formula E encouraging other teams, competitions, and training programmes to adopt the technology.
Spotlight on Women in Motorsport
One of the most impactful aspects of the project is its partnership with More than Equal, an organisation focused on developing elite female racing talent. Through this collaboration, five female drivers enrolled in More than Equal’s Driver Development Programme now have access to advanced simulators and the Driver Agent tool.
These simulators, housed at Manchester Metropolitan University’s Institute of Sport and Centre of Excellence for Women in Sport, replicate high-pressure race conditions, giving the athletes a professional-grade environment to hone their craft.
Google Cloud’s support ensures that these drivers receive AI-led coaching typically reserved for those with major sponsors and factory-backed teams—paving the way for more women to break into top-tier motorsport.
A Broader Vision for Motorsport
Beyond improving lap times or fine-tuning braking zones, the Driver Agent embodies a broader vision: a racing world where opportunity is not dictated by financial backing. By analysing telemetry from any lap and comparing it with data from professional drivers, the system provides tailored feedback—empowering young drivers, regardless of gender or background, to reach their full potential.
This collaboration reflects a growing trend in sport: using AI and data to unlock human performance. From football to athletics, data-led coaching is becoming a norm. Formula E and Google Cloud are now bringing that same sophistication to the racetrack.
Looking Ahead
With the Driver Agent, Formula E and Google Cloud are not only pushing the boundaries of AI in sport—they’re laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and meritocratic future in racing.
As Paretta summarised: “We’re enabling a more diverse pool of drivers—and especially women—to rise to the very top of our sport.”
In a discipline traditionally dominated by legacy, wealth, and exclusivity, that’s more than just an innovation. It’s a revolution.
