They first collected data from every qualifying session since 1983. The algorithm then compared the performances of each driver against their teammates — rather than their opponents — so racers in slower cars would have as much chance of reaching the top spots as those fighting for the title. To remove outliers from the equation, the algorithm only compared teammates who had completed five sessions together. It also gave a higher ranking to drivers who dominated their teammates or performed well against the greats. It then predicted which driver would be fastest in a pedal-to-the-metal lap. [Read: This robotic basketball hoop makes any klutz shoot like Michael Jordan] Crossing the finish line in first place was Brazilian great Ayrton Senna, who was joined on the podium by Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton. However, not everyone was impressed by the rankings. A surprising number of current racers earned a spot in the top 20, including Finland’s Heikki Kovalainen, who only won a single race and pole position in his entire career. But his one-lap performances against rapid teammate Hamilton propelled him to eighth place on the list, 12 spots ahead of legendary four-time champion Alain Prost.
— Tom Bellingham (@TommyWTF1) August 18, 2020 Nonetheless, F1’s Director of Data Systems Rob Smedley was bullish about the results: He added that F1 teams use similar modeling to pick their drivers for the season. So if you spot Heikki back in the cockpit of one of the sport’s fastest cars next year — blame the algorithm. So you like our media brand Neural? You should join our Neural event track at TNW2020, where you’ll hear how artificial intelligence is transforming industries and businesses.
