As Formula One staged its massive live event in London on July 12, its partner Tata Communications revealed the second challenge of its 2017 F1 Connectivity Innovation Prize.
Tata Communications, an Indian internet connectivity company, announced the task’s theme, which was decided by Formula One and asks competitors—Fans of Formula One and innovators—to create a solution that enlivens the fan experience at Grand Prix races through Internet of Things and mobile technologies.
“We want to see how through IoT solutions we could enhance the F1 racing experience for the millions of fans who attend the Grands Prix all over the world—from before they even arrive at the track till the end of the race weekend,” John Morrison, F1’s Chief Technical Officer and one of the prize’s judges.
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The first challenge, which has since closed, was created by Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport and asked entrants to devise a connected solution to solve an F1 logistics problem. Three winners were chosen.
Another three winners will be selected for the second challenge, and all six participants will fly to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates for a VIP experience at the Etihad Airways Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. There, the panel of judges, which also includes world champion driver Lewis Hamilton and several executives from Tata and F1, will select the grand prize winner.
The incentives at that level are much greater. The top idea will net its creator $50,000, a trophy, and the trip to Abu Dhabi. In addition, conceivably due to F1’s sponsorship of the second challenge, one of the task’s three winners will go behind-the-scenes with the F1 technical team at any Grand Prix of his or her choosing.
“F1 is the most technically advanced sport in the world, yet we’ve barely scratched the surface of what can be achieved with digital technologies,” Ross Brawn, F1’s managing director of motorsports and the guest judge, said in the press release. “By harnessing fans and tech enthusiasts’ brain power and passion, we look to accelerate the digital transformation of F1, as the way people want to watch and engage with their favourite sports continues to be shaped by technology.”
Interested fans have until Aug. 2 to complete the second challenge. Perhaps the winners will see their solution come to life at F1 races across the U.S. later this year.