Originally aired on November 10, 2023

In this episode of Under The Influence, host Shifra Samuel interviews Mirco Bartolozzi, a distinguished figure in the world of Motorsports engineering. Mirco discusses his background in mechanical engineering, his hands-on experience in Motorsports, and his founding of F1 Data Analysis. He also delves into the world of F1 Telemetry, sharing insights into the data-driven nature of Formula 1, the influence of AI and machine learning, and how he has used social media to grow his following. The episode provides a fascinating look into the intersection of motorsports, data analysis, and social media influence.

What is F1 Telemetry and its influence in motorsports?

• F1 Telemetry is the aggregation of data from various sensors installed on each Formula One car, which provides insights and actionable information for teams and enthusiasts.
• It enables teams to measure and extract information to improve performance, while also serving as educational and entertaining content for fans.

How Mirco combined his love for cars and data?

• Mirco’s passion for Formula 1 and physics led him to pursue a career in mechanical engineering, specializing in vehicles and a Ph.D. in motorcycle Dynamics.
• He merged his love for F1 with data analysis to create F1 Data Analysis, contributing insights and analysis to the world of F1 Telemetry.

Strategies Mirco used to grow his social media following

• Mirco employed ambitious goal-setting to ramp up his following, focusing on continuous improvement of his content.
• He utilized the analytics of his social media accounts to understand which type of content performed the best and aimed for high-quality, engaging posts.

Significant moments in F1 influenced by telemetry data

• Mirco shares examples of telemetry data influencing race outcomes, such as discerning the cause of car problems or analyzing the impact of punctured tires on race performance.
• Telemetry data allows for real-time analysis and strategic decision-making by Formula 1 engineers, influencing race strategies and pit stop timing.

Top influencers and tools in Mirco’s field of expertise

• Mirco acknowledges influencers such as Bryson Sullivan and Max Verstappen’s performance engineer, as sources of inspiration and knowledge in the field of F1 and aerodynamics.
• He utilizes custom codes in Python for data analysis and partners with tools like Jump for exploratory data analysis to enrich his content creation process.

Predictions for the upcoming Vegas F1 race

• Mirco predicts Ferrari’s potential advantage in the Vegas race due to the track’s characteristics favoring cars with good mechanical grip and low aerodynamic resistance.
• He anticipates Red Bull and McLaren to perform well in qualifying, with the race order likely to see Red Bull, McLaren, Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Mercedes.