Artificial intelligence creates ‘perfect’ Formula 1 racing track

Tech wizards have used AI to create the 'perfect' Formula 1 track, featuring elements from Silverstone, Spa and Suzuka.

The cutting-edge technology brought the dream track to life, with sections associated with some of the most memorable moments in the sport’s history, to launch the new F1 season, which kicks off on Sunday in Bahrain.

Elements of ‘The Greatest Track on Earth’ include the Swimming Pool chicane and Grand Hotel hairpin turn in Monaco, and the Senna ‘S’ at Interlagos in Brazil - and it’s been endorsed by legendary driver Jenson Button.

Speaking about the track, former F1 World Champion and current Sky Sports analyst Button, said: “The best things about Formula 1 are the passionate fans, the variety of circuits across the globe and the demands each one brings.

“For Sky Sports to have used AI to design the ultimate track really does get the imagination racing.

“I would have loved the opportunity to compete on this track as it combines many of the things that make F1 the most unique sport in the world - the glamour of Monaco, the speed of Monza and not forgetting the unpredictable weather of Spa.”

The 6km track combines real-world imagery and, with the help of AI, more fantastical and computer-enhanced elements - complete with the Silverstone sections enveloped in pouring rain.

As well as the hyper-realistic images, animators created a spectacular drive-through video, with the footage following a F1 car navigating the track alongside the voice of race icon David Croft.

The track was designed after a poll of 4,000 motorsport fans, commissioned by Sky Sports, found Italian enthusiasts (39%) were in pole position when people were asked about which nation would bring the most noise and color to the track.

Brits (28%) came in second, with the Dutch (11%) taking third spot on the podium.

With Lewis Hamilton set to depart Mercedes for Ferrari after this season, fans selected the joint-record-holding seven-time World Champion, as the ultimate driver in his 2015-2020 Mercedes, a car that won five consecutive titles, to navigate the challenging circuit.

The first F1 race weekend of the 2024 season is live and exclusive on Sky Sports F1 & NOW from Thursday, February 29.

ELEMENTS IN ‘THE GREATEST TRACK ON EARTH’:

• Straight into turn 1 – Circuit of the Americas, United States
• Parabolica – Monza, Italy
• Acque Minerali – Imola, Italy
• Swimming Pool – Monaco
• Grand Hotel Hairpin – Monaco
• Eau Rouge into Raidillon – Spa, Belgium
• Kemmel Straight – Spa, Belgium
• Castle Section – Baku City Circuit, Azerbaijan
• Maggots, Becketts, Chapel Curve – Silverstone, United Kingdom
• Esses – Suzuka, Japan
• Brabham, Jones – Melbourne, Australia
• The Senna 'S' – Interlagos, Brazil
• T14 to finish line – Interlagos, Brazil