Fresh from a podium finish at the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team shared how augmented reality (AR) technology from TeamViewer is streamlining one of the most critical phases of race-car development.
In a virtual media briefing on Nov. 26, Steve Riley, head of IT Operations and Development, said TeamViewer has customized an AR tool tailored for the team’s Testing and Development (T&D) division — enabling engineers to assemble complex test rigs more quickly and accurately.
Testing is an essential part of F1 operations, with each car component subjected to repeated evaluation as designs evolve through the season.
Until recently, engineers relied on physical or digital manuals to assemble rigs used for stress and performance tests.
“That switching time between looking at a guide and then the rig itself seems small, but it adds up,” Riley said. “We use TeamViewer to minimize setup time in Testing and Development and ensure all rigs are 100% accurate before testing begins.”
The new AR system overlays millimeter-accurate, animated assembly instructions directly onto the rig using CAD data.
Instead of flipping through manuals, engineers can look at a tablet and see the 3D model projected over real-world parts.
Daniel Markland, principal test & development technician, explained: “With a tablet, we can see a projection of the CAD model in real time and space. We’re looking at where we need to assemble these things, and we can see them in AR.”
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team says the improvement may seem subtle, but in the high-pressure environment of F1, even small efficiencies translate into competitive advantage.
“Just having that very visual AR indicator…shaves a lot of time,” Riley noted. “Gains in every area of the team’s operations add up to improved performance where it really matters — on the racetrack.”
The system also reduces the risk of assembly errors by giving technicians instant visibility on whether each component is correctly placed before the test begins.
The team began integrating TeamViewer’s AR technology into its manufacturing facilities and fan engagement activities in 2022. Riley said the latest implementation reinforces their intention to push deeper into emerging technologies.
“We leverage technology and partners. We have a really strong partner network, and TeamViewer is a key part of that,” he said.
“When we understand where a technology provider can provide value, we explore different and interesting ways to deliver performance.”
As the team enters a crucial off-season phase — validating components for next year’s car — Riley emphasized that AR will play a growing role.
“Having TeamViewer’s AR tool embedded into our workflow is going to be really valuable for our team,” he said.
