The Millisecond Advantage: Google Cloud Elevated to Principal AI Partner of Formula E

In a move that cements the "tech-first" identity of the world’s premier all-electric racing series, Formula E and Google Cloud announced on January 26, 2026, a significant expansion of their relationship. Google Cloud has been named the Principal Partner and Principal Artificial Intelligence Partner of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

Building on an initial collaboration formed in January 2025, this elevated multi-year agreement moves Google Cloud into the top tier of Formula E’s partnership portfolio, placing its Gemini AI models at the very heart of the sport’s operational and fan-facing ecosystem.

1. Gemini on the Grid: Real-Time Strategy for Fans
The most visible element of the partnership for the 2026 season is the integration of the AI Strategy Agent into live global broadcasts.

Live Predictive Analysis: The agent processes millions of data points per second—including battery levels, track temperature, and energy recuperation rates—to provide viewers with real-time predictions.

Complex Explanations: For the "Attack Mode" and energy management strategies that define Formula E, Gemini will provide tailored, natural-language explanations, helping new fans understand the tactical nuances of electric racing as they happen.

2. Sustainability Through "Digital Twins"
As the first sport to be certified net-zero carbon since inception, Formula E is leveraging Google’s AI to further reduce its environmental footprint through virtual infrastructure.

Virtual Site Planning: The partnership utilizes Digital Twins of race tracks and event venues (such as the London ExCeL and Miami International Autodrome).

Carbon Reduction: By simulating site builds virtually, Formula E can optimize logistics and power layouts before a single truck arrives on site. This minimizes the need for physical reconnaissance and heavy equipment transport, delivering a measurable reduction in the Championship's operational emissions.

3. The "Driver Agent": Democratizing Elite Coaching
The expansion also doubles down on the Driver Agent, an AI tool powered by Vertex AI and Gemini.

Cockpit Intelligence: The tool analyzes telemetry—lap times, braking pressure, and G-forces—to provide instant coaching feedback.

Accessibility: A key mission of the partnership is to "democratize" racing data, providing high-level AI analysis to developing drivers (including those in the More than Equal program) to help bridge the resource gap between emerging talent and established front-runners.

4. Leadership Perspectives
“Our expanded partnership with Google Cloud is a true game-changer. The integration of Google’s AI capabilities will unlock a new dimension of real-time performance optimization and strategic decision-making, both for the Championship and for our global audience.” — Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E

“Formula E is a hub of innovation where milliseconds define success. This expanded partnership is a testament to the power of Google Cloud’s AI and data analytics, showing how our technology can deliver a competitive advantage in the most demanding scenarios.” — Tara Brady, President of Google Cloud EMEA

5. Historic Foundation: The "Mountain Recharge" Project
The 2026 "Principal" status follows a successful proof-of-concept in 2025 known as Project Mountain Recharge. Using Google’s AI Studio, Formula E mapped an optimal route for its GENBETA development car down a mountain course. By precisely calculating braking zones via AI, the car was able to generate enough energy through regenerative braking to complete a full lap of the Monaco circuit starting with just 1% battery life.