Recognizing Top Pioneering and Innovation Award Nominees
The Pioneering and Innovation Award highlights outstanding individuals or entities that have showcased a pioneering spirit or innovative thinking within the realm of motorsport. This recognition spans various categories, including technology, diversity, sustainability, communications, and more. The winners of this prestigious award will be unveiled at the highly anticipated Autosport Awards in London on January 29. Let’s delve into the exceptional projects that have made it to the shortlist for this esteemed accolade.
Google x Formula E – AI Hackathon Event
Google Cloud and Formula E recently made waves in the motorsport world by hosting an AI Hackathon event that garnered a Guinness World Record. This record-breaking event saw a staggering 1,130 participants coming together for a full-day experience leading up to the London E-Prix. The primary goal of this event was to provide a diverse array of individuals with the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge AI technology and real-time race data in a high-pressure setting.
Attendees were tasked with tackling real-world challenges, such as developing AI systems capable of swiftly identifying on-track incidents and notifying race control promptly. The winning team, Ancoris, impressed the judges with their innovative creation – the Vertex Agent. This groundbreaking AI tool could condense a two-hour race into a concise two-minute podcast summary in any desired language, complete with driver insights and upcoming event details.
The judges commended the collaborative efforts of Google Cloud and Formula E, highlighting the event as a pivotal moment in motorsport history that showcased unparalleled innovation on a global scale.
Pirelli – Forest Stewardship Council-certified Tyres
Pirelli, a renowned name in the world of motorsport, achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first company to introduce a complete range of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified tyres for the 2024 Formula 1 season. This groundbreaking initiative marked a pivotal moment in Pirelli’s sustainability journey, demonstrating a clear commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation.
The introduction of FSC-certified tyres followed an extensive development program initiated in 2022, showcasing remarkable advancements in both performance and reliability. Pirelli’s sustainability endeavors extend beyond the track, with all tyres used during a grand prix event being repurposed into secondary raw materials post-use. Additionally, the manufacturing process for these tyres relies solely on renewable energy sources.
The esteemed panel of judges acknowledged Pirelli’s tireless dedication to driving positive change within the sport, recognizing the company’s F1 efforts as a catalyst for global progress and sustainability.
STEM Racing, Supported by Formula 1
STEM Racing, Supported by Formula 1, formerly known as ‘F1 in Schools,’ celebrates a remarkable 25 years of empowering students to delve into the world of Formula 1 through interactive learning experiences. This innovative program enables students to simulate the workings of a Formula 1 team, assigning roles and responsibilities across various domains such as design, manufacturing, and branding.
Participants engage in STEM Racing events at regional and national levels, culminating in the prestigious Aramco STEM Racing World Finals, slated for 2024 in Saudi Arabia. The panel of judges lauded the program’s extensive reach, impacting millions of young individuals and fostering a passion for STEM careers. Additionally, the initiative’s commitment to enhancing female participation in motorsport was duly acknowledged.
WMG, University of Warwick – Waste2Race Sewage-Powered Race Car
In a groundbreaking endeavor, students at the WMG at The University of Warwick have embarked on a remarkable project involving the creation of a hydrogen-powered race car fueled by sewage. This innovative approach utilizes byproducts from Wastewater Fuels treatment technology trialed at Seven Trent, showcasing a unique blend of sustainability and performance in motorsport.
The Waste2Race project features a Le Mans Prototype (LMP3) racecar constructed from spare and unused parts, aiming to set new land speed records based on its performance. Funded by the Research Innovation Fund from UKRI via Research England, this project represents a pioneering leap in eco-friendly racing technology.
Judges commended WMG for their unwavering dedication to inspiring the next generation of motorsport enthusiasts through inventive projects like Waste2Race, underscoring the project’s impact in transmitting a shared love for sport to young minds.