Red Bull Racing is now using artificial intelligence to help team staff make key race-day decisions.
Tech giants are expanding their partnerships with racing teams as AI is used across F1 for everything from race strategy to fan engagement. Google is working with McLaren to integrate Gemini AI tools, while Mercedes-AMG Petronas is partnering with Microsoft to leverage AI and cloud technology for performance analysis and race strategy. Meanwhile, Ferrari is working with IBM to develop an AI-powered fan experience.
Red Bull Racing and Oracle have developed an AI-powered strategy agent to help engineers interpret F1 regulations and past rulings. Jack Harrington, Oracle Red Bull Racing’s head of technology and performance partnerships, told CNBC in an interview that the system, which was originally designed as a search tool, has evolved to recommend actions during races.
Harrington said the system, which started out as a search tool, has evolved into an agent AI that taps into a broader range of information sources.
“It’s actually making decisions on our behalf,” he added.
As an example, Harrington cited Max Verstappen cutting a corner while defending his position at the 2025 Monza Italian Grand Prix. It added that the AI agent recommended Red Bull return the position to avoid a possible penalty.
Although it went against the team’s competitive instincts, Red Bull followed the advice and Verstappen then overtook his rival, Harrington said.
Still, Harrington emphasized that humans remain involved in the decision-making process.
“F1 is and always will be a people’s sport,” he said. He believes AI will not completely replace engineers and strategists, but rather enhance their capabilities and allow them to focus on their strengths, pointing out that there are “so many different variables” in F1, from what happens on and off the track to the overall picture of the championship.
The team also had reason to celebrate on the circuit on Sunday, as Max Verstappen took his first win at the Singapore Grand Prix, taking his total victory tally to 73.
