How AI Powers Capgemini’s Race for Motorsport Dominance
In endurance motorsport, performance margins are measured in milliseconds. Teams analyse thousands of data points, from tyre temperatures to fuel consumption, searching for incremental gains across races that can last 24 hours. The complexity of these calculations – combined with mounting pressure to reduce carbon emissions – has pushed racing teams to seek technological solutions beyond traditional engineering.
This shift towards data-driven racing has led Peugeot Sport to renew its partnership with Capgemini, the €22.5bn (US$23.5bn) technology consultancy, to advance the development of its 9X8 Hypercar programme while reducing the carbon footprint of its motorsport operations.
AI-powered racing drives performance gains
The partnership, which began in 2022, has produced a data engineering platform that analyses information from both real and simulated races. The system incorporates an AI model that powers virtual sensors embedded in the Peugeot 9X8’s onboard computer, enabling real-time adjustments to the vehicle's performance parameters.
Racing engineers have reduced data processing times from 24 hours to 10 minutes through the implementation of these systems. The team is now expanding its use of generative AI (Gen AI) to identify anomalies in sensor data during extended race periods.
The technology is being applied to structure and analyse communications between drivers and race engineers during endurance events, which can span several hours. These insights are correlated with race data to extract valuable data and ptimise the Hypercar’s performance.
Data and sustainability reshape motorsport operations
Capgemini, which employs 340,000 staff across 50 countries, has integrated its decarbonisation methodology into Peugeot Sport’s operations. The initiative began with calculating the carbon footprint of the entire motorsport ecosystem, from vehicles on the track to parts manufacturing and team logistics.
The programme identified 30 specific actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. These measures are subject to annual assessment and adjustment. The implementation phase is now active across all action plans, with key performance indicators tracking progress towards emissions targets.
The research and development teams have adopted an eco-design approach for vehicles, incorporating environmental considerations during parts development processes. This includes the use of alternative materials that maintain performance standards.
Supplier engagement forms a central element of the sustainability roadmap. Primary suppliers receive support in their decarbonisation efforts through consultation, calculation tools, and technical discussions with the design office to optimise supply chain efficiency.
The organisation has implemented climate awareness workshops for employees and optimised travel arrangements with a preference for maritime freight. Its fleet of trucks and diesel utility vehicles now runs on renewable biofuel tanks using HVO-100, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 85% compared to fossil fuels.
Jean-Marc Finot, Senior VP of Stellantis Motorsport, says: “The WEC Championship is an essential discipline for Team Peugeot TotalEnergies. The visibility and prestige of the 24 Hours of Le Mans make it a key event to showcase the advancements and improvements made by all actors in motorsport. Beyond the sporting event, we play a pioneering role in sustainability by developing tomorrow’s technologies. AI has become a key element of our racing strategy, confirmed by improved results at the end of the 2024 season, particularly at Fuji and Bahrain.”
The partnership reflects broader industry shifts towards sustainable technology in motorsport. Capgemini provides end-to-end services in strategy, design and engineering, supported by capabilities in artificial intelligence, cloud computing and data analytics across multiple industries.
Andrea Falleni, CEO of Capgemini Southern Europe and Member of the Group Executive Committee, says: “We are delighted to continue our collaboration to enhance Peugeot Sport's performance, both in terms of sporting results and the environmental impact of motorsport, by providing the latest AI technologies and our expertise in decarbonisation.”
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