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Silverstone Track Hosts Historic Real vs. Virtual Race
The iconic Silverstone motor racing circuit in England is known for hosting high-speed competitions with a chance of rain and welcoming the world’s fastest drivers. However, a groundbreaking event is set to take place at this legendary venue for the first time: a race between man and artificial intelligence.
Michelob ULTRA Lap of Legends
The highly anticipated Michelob ULTRA Lap of Legends, scheduled to debut at 10pm ET in the U.S., represents the “first ever real vs. virtual race.” This innovative event will feature current Williams Racing driver, Logan Sargeant, challenging AI-generated avatars and cars of six former Williams world champion drivers: Mario Andretti, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Damon Hill, Jacques Villeneuve, and Jenson Button.
Ricardo Marques, the vice president of marketing at Michelob ULTRA, expressed his enthusiasm for this unique competition. He shared that the idea for the race was inspired by previous brand campaigns that integrated technology with major sports partnerships. The race aims to showcase the rich history of legendary drivers associated with Williams Racing and provide an exciting platform for the current driver, Sargeant, to test his skills against his heroes.
The Role of AI in the Race
The development of the advanced AI technology used in the race commenced a year ago in the Michelob ULTRA Innovation Lab. Each AI-generated driver and car was meticulously designed to mirror the performance characteristics of the real-life drivers and cars based on extensive racing footage analysis. To ensure a competitive environment, adjustments were made to the real and virtual cars, such as disabling the drag reduction system (DRS) on Sargeant’s car and fitting older cars with modern-day tire compounds.
During the race, Sargeant was equipped with a unique racing helmet that featured an augmented reality visor. This cutting-edge technology, designed by Adam Smith of The Mill, allowed Sargeant to see the virtual drivers and cars alongside him on the track. The helmet also included a race-grade GPS system that provided real-time data to enhance the immersive experience for both Sargeant and the AI-generated drivers.
The AI-generated drivers underwent extensive testing on a specially developed racing simulator to ensure a high level of performance during the Lap of Legends race.
Implications for the Future of Formula 1
Nigel Mansell, a former Formula 1 world champion and virtual participant in the Lap of Legends race, expressed his amazement at seeing the AI version of himself and other past champions. Mansell highlighted the potential of AI and modern technologies to revolutionize the sport by providing teams with valuable insights about their cars and drivers, ultimately enhancing competitiveness across the board.
While praising the benefits of AI in Formula 1, Mansell also emphasized the need for caution in deploying these technologies to prevent widespread job displacement. He acknowledged that some teams are already leveraging AI for specific tasks but stressed the importance of balancing technological advancements with ethical considerations.
In conclusion, the Michelob ULTRA Lap of Legends represents a significant milestone in the integration of AI and real-world racing, offering a glimpse into the future of motorsport and the potential impacts of advanced technologies on the industry.
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