AMD EPIC processors helped Mercedes win
Mercedes' team was able to obtain a 20% performance gain for the Computer Fluid Dynamics (CFD) workloads used to simulate and test the aerodynamic flow of their F1 cars using AMD EPIC processors.
The AMD and Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 (F1) teams showcased how AMD EPIC processors enhanced aerodynamic testing capacity, which helped the Mercedes-AMG Petronas team win its eighth consecutive design championship in the 2021 racing season.
According to the team, utilizing AMD EPIC processors, they were able to obtain a 20% performance gain for the computer load fluid dynamics (CFD) workloads needed to simulate and evaluate the aerodynamic flow of their F1 cars.
"We are excited to work with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 team, which is at the forefront of racing and technology," said Dan McNamara, Senior Vice President and CEO of AMD's Server Business Unit.
McNamara continued: "Having the most efficient computer study of aerodynamics can mean the difference between winning and losing a race for F1 teams. The Mercedes-AMG F1 team can iterate vehicle design faster and more efficiently with AMD EPIC processors than with its previous approach."
Using AMD EPIC processors, the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team pushes the frontiers of what is achievable with CFDs by developing innovative aerodynamics while meeting the International Automobile Federation's financial limitations (FIA).
Aerodynamics is one of the most complex technical issues faced by F1 teams, necessitating the use of powerful processors and servers to do analysis and measurements.
Furthermore, in order to avoid granting unfair competitive advantage to multi-resource teams, the FIA has devised a complicated framework that limits how much CFD performance and wind tunnel time F1 teams can utilize.
"AMD EPIC processors provide us with a platform that gives the highest degree of everyday aerodynamic performance while reaching our goal of a faster turnaround for design iteration," stated Simon Williams, Head of Aero Development Software at Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1.
"It's incredible that we received a 20% performance gain over our old system, which cut our CFD working hours in half." "This is a significant improvement above past gains of one or two percent in earlier systems," he noted.
