Home Artificial Intelligence (AI)How Formula E leverages Google Cloud AI to achieve its net-zero goals

How Formula E leverages Google Cloud AI to achieve its net-zero goals

by Steven Brown
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Formula E is redefining what sustainability looks like in global sport by deepening its partnership with Google Cloud. Through advanced AI capabilities, the all-electric racing championship is streamlining operations, reducing emissions, and enhancing the fan experience — a real-world example of How Formula E leverages Google Cloud AI to achieve its net-zero goals.

Under an expanded multi-year agreement, Formula E is integrating Google Cloud’s Gemini AI models across its ecosystem. These tools support everything from race performance analysis and back-office efficiency to large-scale event logistics, transforming AI from a branding exercise into a core operational engine.


From Sponsorship to Smart Operations

Unlike traditional sports partnerships that prioritise logo placement, this collaboration is rooted in tangible business outcomes. Formula E is using cloud-based AI infrastructure to optimise race management, commercial workflows, and fan engagement.

Originally formalised in January 2025, the partnership has now elevated Google Cloud to “Principal Partner” status. This upgrade reflects Formula E’s decision to embed Google Cloud technologies into mission-critical systems that directly impact efficiency, cost control, and sustainability.


Digital Twins and Carbon Data: A Smarter Path to Net Zero

One of the most impactful applications of the partnership lies in logistics. Managing a global racing calendar involves transporting massive amounts of equipment across continents — a major contributor to Scope 3 emissions.

To address this, Formula E is deploying AI-powered operational and event digital twins. These virtual models allow teams to simulate race setups, site builds, and infrastructure requirements before arriving on location.

By planning events digitally:

  • Physical site inspections are reduced

  • Heavy equipment transport is minimised

  • Logistics decisions become data-driven rather than reactive

For the world’s first motorsport championship certified as net-zero carbon since inception, these efficiencies are essential to maintaining that status without compromising performance.


AI-Driven Productivity Across the Workforce

Beyond logistics, Formula E is also enhancing internal productivity by rolling out Google Workspace with Gemini AI. These tools are designed to speed up decision-making, automate administrative tasks, and support collaboration across a globally distributed workforce.

This shift reflects a broader enterprise trend: using generative AI to eliminate operational bottlenecks and enable faster, more agile execution — a critical factor for organisations operating at international scale.


Proven Results: From Mountains to Monaco

The credibility of this AI-led approach is reinforced by earlier joint initiatives. One standout example is the “Mountain Recharge” project, where Formula E engineers used Google AI Studio and Gemini models to optimise energy recovery during a mountain descent.

By analysing variables such as elevation, braking zones, friction, and energy consumption, the AI calculated the precise regenerative braking strategy needed for the GENBETA car to harvest enough energy to complete a full lap of the Monaco circuit afterward.

This use case highlights how complex, high-dimensional data can be transformed into actionable insights that directly influence real-world performance.

How Formula E leverages Google Cloud AI to achieve its net-zero goals


Enhancing the Fan Experience With Real-Time Intelligence

The partnership also strengthens Formula E’s digital product offering. A new AI-powered “Strategy Agent” has been integrated into live broadcasts, processing real-time race data to deliver predictive insights on driver strategy and performance.

For viewers, this means:

  • Clear explanations of complex race dynamics

  • Contextual insights as the action unfolds

  • A more immersive and educational viewing experience

In many ways, this mirrors enterprise observability challenges — turning massive streams of technical data into narratives that humans can quickly understand and act upon.


Leadership Perspectives on the AI Expansion

Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E, described the partnership as transformative:

“Our expanded partnership with Google Cloud is a true game-changer for Formula E and for motorsport as a whole. The integration of Google Cloud’s AI capabilities unlocks a new dimension of real-time performance optimisation and strategic decision-making, redefining how fans experience our races.”

Tara Brady, President of Google Cloud EMEA, echoed this sentiment:

“Formula E is a hub of innovation, where milliseconds define success. This partnership demonstrates how Google Cloud’s AI and data analytics deliver competitive advantage in the most demanding environments.”


A Blueprint for Performance and Sustainability

The evolution from pilot projects in early 2025 to a full-scale partnership suggests strong returns on investment. As organisations across industries face growing pressure to balance high performance with net-zero commitments, Formula E’s approach offers a compelling model.

By using virtual simulation, AI-driven analytics, and cloud infrastructure to optimise physical operations, Formula E shows exactly How Formula E leverages Google Cloud AI to achieve its net-zero goals — without slowing down on the track or in the business.

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