The FIA, motor sport's governing body, has signed Amazon Web Services (AWS) as its official AI and cloud computing partner.
The deal, announced on Wednesday, means AWS's artificial intelligence tools will help the FIA write the technical rules for the next generation of Formula 1 cars.
Rules shaped in a virtual wind tunnel
The FIA already runs its aerodynamic simulations on AWS's high performance computing. That lets its engineers test how air flows over a car without building any physical parts, which saves time and money.
Aerodynamic simulation, often called CFD (computational fluid dynamics), is how teams and rule makers predict downforce and drag on a computer.
Under the new deal, the FIA's technical and engineering teams will also get AI tools to help them develop rules on safety, performance and sustainability.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said "the FIA must lead that change" as technology reshapes the sport.
Beyond Formula 1
The partnership reaches well past the grid. AWS and the FIA launched a digital licensing platform last year for drivers, officials and volunteers, and it will now be rolled out to more national motor sport bodies.
AWS also becomes an official partner of the annual FIA Awards and of the FIA Sustainable Innovation Series.
The FIA says the deal supports its aim of doubling the number of people taking part in motor sport around the world.
A familiar name in the paddock
AWS is not new to Formula 1. It has been a technology partner of Formula 1 since 2018.
The current rules for cars and engines only arrived this season. The FIA's engineers are already looking ahead to the set that will follow them.
Race it on Late Brake
No real circuit features in this story, but six of them are in Late Brake, the free racing game you play in your browser: Spielberg, Monza, Silverstone, Spa-Francorchamps, Monaco and Interlagos. Switch on the racing line, watch for the braking boards and try to beat the medal times.
Sources: FIA, Autosport, The Race, Motorsport.com