Mark Webber at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. A gearbox failure is believed to have come from accidental outside interference. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Formula 1 has announced an exclusive five-year partnership with Cyber1, a London-based cybersecurity firm. Cyber1 will collaborate with Formula 1’s IT department to protect F1 from potential cyber threats.
Cyber1 will also provide consultancy and advisory to the global motorsport series as part of the deal. Cyber1’s expertise will be used to prevent attacks against F1’s digital assets and to eliminate the possibility of outside electrical signals interfering with each car’s systems during races.
“Information technology is a key enabler in our drive to bring the fans closer to the action and IT security underpins all of those services,” said Chris Roberts, Head of IT Infrastructure at Formula 1, in a press release. “Cyber1 are uniquely placed to bring the expertise, innovation and agility that will help us to secure those systems. From trackside and extending to our ever-growing digital estate Cyber1 will leverage next generation technology to increase resiliency as we mature our digital engagement programme.”
Formula 1 has invested heavily in its digital presence over the past two years since the organization generated a meager $10 million in digital revenue in 2017. F1 launched its own OTT streaming service last March and partnered with The Dream VR in December 2018 to create an official F1 virtual reality channel.
“Enhancing and maintaining the security of Formula 1’s evolving IT infrastructure is a key priority for the leadership of both companies as well as for the wider Formula 1 series ecosystem and the ongoing enjoyment of millions of fans from around the globe,” said Nick Viney, CEO at Cyber 1, in the press release. “We are starting work immediately on the project both internally, with Formula 1 and with our product vendor community and we are looking forward to supporting them in their development of a world class cyber security environment.”
SportTechie Takeaway
Outside electrical interference has comprised Formula 1 events in the past. At the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing driver Mark Webber had his car come to a halting stop due to a gearbox failure when his car’s gearbox tried to select two gears at once. The electrical signal of a nearby metro tram is the leading theory as to what caused the malfunction according to Autosport. Interference can also come from hackers with malicious intent. Last year, hackers reportedly breached PGA servers and demanded a ransom.
