Who Really Dominates F1? ChatGPT Exposes the Legends and Underdogs Across Seven Decades

#AISummer2023 – A deeper dive into the latest AI advancements. Building on the success of the #30DayAIChallenge, this series explores the latest developments in AI tools and capabilities. Join me as we explore the metaphorical ‘summer’ of AI growth and evolution.

Marrying High-Octane Racing and Cutting-Edge Analytics

I’ll be honest—before I got a pit-side view of Formula 1, I never fully grasped its pulse-pounding complexity. Rubbing elbows with drivers, absorbing the orchestrated chaos of the pit crew, and the indescribable rush of the race—it’s been a revelation. But let’s not forget the game-changer for many of us: Netflix’s captivating series, Formula 1: Drive to Survive. Suddenly, F1 wasn’t just motorsport’s crown jewel; it was a high-speed chess game drenched in adrenaline and tinged with the intoxicating scent of burnt rubber.

So, what’s the secret formula (pun intended) for making it in this turbocharged universe? To find out, I unleashed ChatGPT’s ADA tool on a treasure trove of racing data. Fasten your seatbelts, folks—we’re about to take you on a data-fueled lap around the F1 world. Helmets on! 🏁

Pit Stop 1: A Quick Look Under the Hood

Our dataset is like the cockpit of an F1 car—packed with dials, switches, and stats. We’ve got info on 868 unique drivers from 47 countries, and oh boy, does it have stories to tell!

1. Unique Drivers: There are 868 unique drivers in the dataset.
2. Countries Represented: Drivers from 47 different countries are represented.
3. Basic Statistics:
   • Championships: Most drivers have not won a championship, but the maximum number of championships won by a driver is 7.
   • Race Entries: Drivers have participated in an average of around 30 races, with a maximum of 359.
   • Pole Positions: The average number of pole positions is about 1.24, with a maximum of 103.
   • Race Wins: Similar to pole positions, the average number of race wins is about 1.25, with a maximum of 103.
   • Years Active: On average, drivers are active for about 3.7 years, with a maximum of 19 years.

Pit Stop 2: The Flags of Fortune

First up, let’s talk national anthems. If you’re from the UK, chances are you have a second cousin thrice removed who’s tried their luck in F1. Seriously, Brits dominate this sport! They’re followed by the Americans, Italians, French, and Germans. So, if you’re British and can drive stick, maybe give F1 a go?

Top Nationalities Among Champions:

1. United Kingdom: 10 champions
2. Brazil, Finland, Germany: 3 champions each
3. United States, Italy, Australia, Austria: 2 champions each
4. Spain, Argentina, New Zealand, France, South Africa, Netherlands, Canada: 1 champion each

The Revving ’70s vs. The Turbocharged 2000s

Formula 1 is like fine wine; it changes with age. The 2000s were like the disco era of F1—everyone wanted in! But here’s a curveball: despite all the tech advancements, winning has gotten tougher over the decades. Blame it on tighter competition or maybe drivers just miss the ’70s fashion?

In all seriousness, the number of active drivers and race entries peaked around the 2000s. Could this be tied to the sport’s increasing commercialization and global viewership?

The Sultans of Speed

Now, let’s talk superstars. Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher are the Beyoncé and Madonna of F1. They’ve got the trophies, the records, and the fan following.

But hey, it’s not just about the bling; it’s about making every race count. Efficiency Matters! Drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have high “Points Per Entry” and win rates, showing that they maximize their opportunities.

• Lewis Hamilton: 311 races, 14.2 points/entry, 33% wins.
• Max Verstappen: 164 races, 12.4 points/entry, 22% wins.
• Sebastian Vettel: 300 races, 10.3 points/entry, 18% wins.
• Valtteri Bottas: 202 races, 8.9 points/entry, 5% wins.
• Charles Leclerc: 104 races, 8.4 points/entry, 5% wins.

The Rookie Sensations

Who needs experience when you’ve got raw talent? Drivers like George Russell and Lando Norris are the new kids on the block, and they’re not here to play games—unless it’s a victory lap on the PlayStation after a real-world win!

Here are all the drivers who have shown promising performance metrics despite having fewer than 5 years in the sport:

1. George Russell: 4 years active, 1 race win, and 300 points.
2. François Cevert: 4 years active, 1 race win, and 89 points.
3. Gunnar Nilsson: 2 years active, 1 race win, and 31 points.
4. Luigi Fagioli: 2 years active, 1 race win, and 28 points.
5. Lee Wallard: 2 years active, 1 race win, and 9 points.
6. Lando Norris: 4 years active, 0 race wins, and 428 points.
7. Alexander Albon: 3 years active, 0 race wins, and 202 points.
8. Paul di Resta: 4 years active, 0 race wins, and 121 points.
9. Vitaly Petrov: 3 years active, 0 race wins, and 64 points.
10. Jean-Éric Vergne: 3 years active, 0 race wins, and 51 points.

Could these drivers be the future stars of Formula 1?

What Makes a Legend?

So, you want to be an F1 champion? Get in line! Our data shows that the difference between champions and, well, the rest of us, is not just a fast car—it’s everything! Champions are like the Swiss Army knives of the racing world: versatile, reliable, and always ready to win.

1. Championships: Naturally, champions have won championships, while non-champions have not.
2. Race Entries: Champions tend to have more race entries on average, likely because success extends their careers.
3. Race Starts: Similar to race entries, champions generally have more race starts.
4. Pole Positions: Champions have significantly more pole positions on average, indicating better qualifying performance.
5. Race Wins: Champions also have a much higher average of race wins.
6. Podiums: Champions tend to secure more podium finishes.
7. Fastest Laps: Champions have set more fastest laps on average.
8. Points: Champions have accrued significantly more points over their careers.

This comparison shows the stark difference in performance metrics between champions and non-champions, emphasizing the level of skill and consistency needed to win championships.

The Pit Wall: Context Matters!

Notes to keep in mind:

1. Regulations and Point Systems: F1 has seen various changes in regulations, from engine types to aerodynamics, which can affect driver performance. The point system has also evolved, affecting the “Points Per Entry” metric.
2. Team Importance: While the data didn’t cover this, being part of a competitive team is crucial. Drivers in top teams like Mercedes or Red Bull have better resources and, consequently, better chances of winning.
3. Commercial and Financial Factors: Over the years, the commercial aspects of F1 have grown significantly. This has implications for how drivers are incentivized, including through sponsorship deals and bonuses, which were not covered in the dataset.
4. Technological Advancements: The role of technology in F1 has increased manifold, impacting everything from car design to race strategy. This could explain the evolving metrics across decades.
5. Youth Programs: Many F1 teams now have youth programs that groom young talent, explaining the emergence of ‘Up-and-Comers’.

The Finish Line: Speed + Data = ❤️

So there you have it! Formula 1 isn’t just a race; it’s a complex, beautiful ballet of data and human skill. The next time you see a car zoom past the finish line, you’ll know that behind that split-second victory are years of stats, strategies, and maybe a sprinkle of British luck.

Wave the checkered flag; our data lap is complete! 🏁

Disclaimer: This post is for the love of F1 and data. All figures are sourced from a publicly available dataset and images AI generated.