Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team boosts remote simulator control
The driver-in-loop simulator plays a crucial role for the team's racing preparations, enabling drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli to test various car configurations for each circuit. Notably, Antonelli, as a rookie, relies heavily on the simulator to acclimatise to new tracks. The simulator is also used intensively by the team's reserve and simulator drivers, especially throughout race weekends, for rapid problem-solving in cooperation with engineers and trackside staff.
With team members and engineers often travelling across different time zones and continents, TeamViewer Tensor allows key personnel to access and manage simulator devices remotely, even when away from the team's base in Brackley, England. This capability enhances operational flexibility and maximises the simulator's use.
Remote access efficiencies
Christian Damm, Simulator Development Engineer for the team, highlighted the importance of security and reliability in these processes. Not only are the simulators a sensitive area, they're also very secretive. We need to be able to trust that the data security is in place. With TeamViewer, we can have that peace of mind. The work in the simulator has an impact on the track so being able to push boundaries and enhance performance is a win for my team.
Damm also explained that TeamViewer Tensor's dynamic remoting functionality permits several users to connect to one machine, allowing the collaborative resolution of technical problems. He added that he is able to replicate his usual multi-screen desk setup remotely via his laptop, maintaining workflow no matter where he is located.
The scalability of TeamViewer Tensor enables the straightforward addition or removal of users and devices, which Damm noted helps reduce the time associated with managing access and securing new resources. He also commented on the improvement in display resolution compared to previous remote management tools the team had deployed. According to Damm, Tensor offers a much higher bit rate and customisable colour settings, avoiding issues with screen stuttering or freezing and thereby ensuring simulator sessions are not interrupted by technical difficulties.
Technical decisions and resource allocation
In Formula 1, access to timely and relevant data can have a direct influence on performance during a race weekend. Steven Riley, Head of IT Operation and Service Management at Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, explained the broader context of deploying TeamViewer Tensor throughout the team's digital operations. On the track, every second counts - so we need to ensure our technology implementations can keep up to ensure drivers and team members can access all the data they need in real time to make those split-second decisions to get us over the finish line. We use TeamViewer across our digital workplaces, whether the office, the factory or at track, so when Christian approached us about new technology for the simulation, Tensor was the obvious choice. Due to the cost cap all our technology deployments have to deliver value. It is always a balancing act where technology spend will make more of an impact than putting the money elsewhere in the team.
Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team deploys TeamViewer technology across its offices, factory, and at-track environments, ensuring all team members and engineers are able to make use of synchronised, secure digital workflows at any location. Riley noted that with the cost cap limiting technology investment in Formula 1, each deployment must be justified based on its potential value to the team's performance.
TeamViewer Tensor's integration allows simulator teams to react to real-time problems, update car configurations, and contribute to on-track decisions without the requirement for engineers to be present at the main factory site. This, according to the team's technical staff, supports a continuous flow of data and operational feedback essential to the racing programme.
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