IoT solution to enhance F1 fan experience wins 2017 F1 Connectivity Innovation Prize

India, 23 November 2017: Benjamin Lambert and Alexander Gibson from UK have won the grand prize of the 2017 F1 Connectivity Innovation Prize. The announcement was made by Tata Communications, the Official Connectivity Provider to Formula 1 and the Official Managed Connectivity Supplier of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport. Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton handed the winners a cheque for USD $50,000 and a bespoke trophy during a ceremony in the run-up to the 2017 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Now in its fourth year, the F1 Connectivity Innovation Prize aims to inspire fans worldwide to use their technical know-how and passion for F1 racing and come up with ideas for solutions that could enhance the way people are able to enjoy the sport, or the teams’ competitiveness. The theme of this year’s two technology challenges set by Formula 1 and Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport was the Internet of Things (IoT). Benjamin Lambert and Alexander Gibson’s winning idea is a solution that could enhance the fan experience at each Grand Prix through the IoT, mobile technologies and embedded connectivity. From the moment fans arrive at the circuit until the end of the race weekend, they could use their mobile phone to connect to dozens of sensors at the circuit to access data and insights on their favourite team or driver, get a mixed reality view of driver lines and braking zones on the surface of the race track, or buy refreshments and souvenirs.