The AI behind Formula One race-day decisions
Formula One race strategists use AI and cloud computing to make split-second decisions on tire choices and pit stops, turning data into race-winning advantages.
Joseph “Joey” McMillan, Lead Race Strategist for the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, oversees race-day decisions from the pit wall, analyzing weather, rival car performance, and tire degradation. His role focuses on executing race plans rather than improving car speed, requiring real-time analysis of multiple data streams to gain an edge over competitors.
McMillan’s team must choose from five tire compounds—soft, medium, hard, intermediate, or wet—each suited to different track conditions. A single decision on tire choice can determine victory or defeat, especially when weather forecasts are uncertain, as seen during the Miami Grand Prix where storms threatened to disrupt the race.
The strategist’s job blends mathematics, statistics, and game theory, with AI tools enabling faster modeling and analysis. McMillan, who holds a PhD in mathematics, now writes code more efficiently using AI-assisted tools, allowing him to process vast amounts of data in real time during races.
In 2026, Microsoft partnered with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, integrating Azure Batch to run thousands of race simulations simultaneously. This cloud computing capacity allows the team to test multiple scenarios before and during races, enhancing their ability to make data-driven strategic decisions under pressure.