insights/
Guide
The Pinnacle of Connected Objects: Telemetry in Formula One and the Role of Cybersecurity

Formula One (F1) represents the zenith of technological innovation and human engineering, where every millisecond matters. Central to its cutting-edge operations is the use of telemetry, a sophisticated system of real-time data transmission that exemplifies the power of connected objects. However, this connectivity brings inherent cybersecurity challenges, making robust defenses indispensable. Addressing these vulnerabilities is critical to maintaining the integrity of the sport and advancing the secure use of connected objects in other industries.
Understanding Telemetry: The Backbone of Formula One
Telemetry in F1 is a prime example of how connected objects power real-time decision-making in high-stakes environments. It connects sensors embedded within the car to a central control system, allowing engineers to monitor, analyze, and respond to the car's performance and environmental conditions.
F1 cars generate and transmit an extraordinary amount of data during a race weekend. These few metrics underscore its significance:
- Data Volume: Each car generates up to 1 million data points per second and approximately 1.5 terabytes of data per race.1
- Latency: Real-time telemetry requires data transmission with latencies below 100 milliseconds to enable instantaneous adjustments and decisions.2
- Sensor Integration: Modern F1 cars are equipped with over 300 sensors that monitor critical parameters such as engine temperature, tire pressure, aerodynamics, and driver biometrics.3
Telemetry allows teams to adapt strategies dynamically, optimize car performance, and preemptively address potential issues. For instance, if a tire’s temperature exceeds the optimal range, engineers can immediately call for a pit stop or adjust aerodynamic settings to prevent degradation. This vast influx of real-time information enables teams to make split-second decisions, such as adjusting pit-stop strategies, modifying car settings remotely, or preemptively addressing mechanical issues. The precision and responsiveness afforded by telemetry epitomize the potential of the Internet of Things (IoT) when applied to high-stakes environments.
Cybersecurity Challenges in Protecting the Data Flow
While telemetry amplifies performance, its connectivity introduces vulnerabilities. The real-time transmission of data over wireless networks renders F1 cars — as well as theoretically all connected cars — susceptible to cyberattacks.These risks can undermine competitive integrity and even compromise safety. The real-time transmission of data over wireless networks renders F1 cars susceptible to cyberattacks. A compromised system could lead to disastrous consequences, including data theft, sabotage, or loss of competitive advantage. In a sport where intellectual property and strategic decision-making are paramount, the ramifications of a security breach extend beyond the racetrack, impacting the reputation and financial stability of teams.
Potential Threats
- Data Interception: Hackers could intercept telemetry data to uncover proprietary car setups or strategies.
- Remote Manipulation: Attackers might alter performance parameters or disrupt car systems, jeopardizing safety and competitiveness.
- Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks: Disrupting telemetry channels could incapacitate teams during critical moments in a race.
To safeguard telemetry systems, F1 teams invest heavily in cybersecurity. Encrypted communication protocols, intrusion detection systems, and multi-layered defenses are deployed to protect data integrity. Teams also collaborate with cybersecurity experts to simulate potential threats, identify vulnerabilities, and fortify their defenses. The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the governing body of F1, also enforces stringent regulations to ensure fair play and cybersecurity compliance across all teams.
To counteract cybersecurity threats, F1 teams deploy cutting-edge defenses:
- Encryption Protocols: Securing telemetry transmissions ensures that intercepted data cannot be decoded. 4
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Monitoring real-time data streams for anomalies helps prevent attacks. 5
- Layered Security Architecture: Firewalls, secure gateways, and endpoint protections form a multi-faceted defense.
- Simulated Cyberattacks: Ethical hacking simulations expose vulnerabilities, enabling teams to fortify their systems proactively.
The FIA enforces strict regulations requiring all teams to meet high cybersecurity standards. These measures protect not only the sport’s integrity but also its technological ecosystem.
The Role of Connected Objects in F1: Beyond the Racetrack
Beyond the racetrack, the telemetry and cybersecurity innovations in F1 have broader implications. The increasing reliance on telemetry systems in vehicles, including F1 cars, highlights the vulnerabilities inherent in connected ecosystems. They demonstrate how connected objects can revolutionize industries such as transportation, healthcare, and manufacturing, provided robust cybersecurity measures are in place. F1’s approach serves as a benchmark for securely harnessing the potential of IoT, balancing the benefits of real-time data with the imperative to protect it. 6
This "trickle-down effect" shows how technologies developed for high-performance applications, such as those used in Formula 1, gradually make their way into consumer vehicles. These innovations often include telemetry systems, advanced sensors, and autonomous driving features, designed to improve vehicle performance, safety, and efficiency. However, this same technology also introduces security vulnerabilities that can affect everyday vehicles, especially as the automotive industry adopts more connected features.
One need only watch Leave the World Behind on NETFLIX to appreciate the chaos that can ensue from a coordinated cyber attack. The following real-world examples demonstrate how systems have been targeted, manipulated, or disrupted, emphasizing the critical need for robust cybersecurity.
Real-World Examples of Telemetry Attacks
Jeep Cherokee Hack (2015)
The Jeep Cherokee hack offers a cautionary tale relevant to telemetry in F1. Cybersecurity researchers Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek exploited vulnerabilities in the vehicle's Uconnect infotainment system to remotely access its telemetry data. 7 They demonstrated full control over critical functions, including steering, braking, and acceleration. This incident led Fiat Chrysler to recall 1.4 million vehicles and highlighted the severe consequences of insecure telemetry systems. 8
Tesla Autopilot Vulnerabilities (2020)
Tesla's telemetry-driven Autopilot system was targeted by researchers who demonstrated how the car's vision system could be tricked using manipulated data. By altering road signs or introducing adversarial inputs, they could manipulate the car’s vision system to misinterpret road signs or steer the vehicle in unintended directions. caused the vehicle to make unsafe driving decisions. 9 This incident highlighted the susceptibility of telemetry-dependent systems to manipulation and underscored the need for stringent security measures in connected cars. 10
Nissan Leaf (2018)
Researchers demonstrated how they could remotely hack into a Nissan Leaf's telematics system. By exploiting vulnerabilities in the car's connected system, they gained access to vehicle control features, including the car’s current battery life, travel times and distances, and climate control.11 This highlights the cybersecurity risks that extend from high-performance vehicles to everyday electric car gnostics and Over-the-Air Updates. 12
BMW Connected Sytems (2020)
In a demonstration of the dangers posed by remote vehicle access, security researchers revealed how they could hack into BMW's connected systems via its mobile app, remotely controlling functions such as unlocking the doors or starting the engine. Although not as extreme as full vehicle control, this incident highlighted the vulnerabilities of remote access technologies now used in everyday vehicles 13
Conclusion
Telemetry in Formula One exemplifies the transformative potential of connected objects, harnessing real-time data to redefine performance and precision. However, with great connectivity comes great responsibility. F1’s commitment to advanced cybersecurity ensures its systems remain resilient against evolving threats, setting a global benchmark for secure IoT implementation. As industries continue to embrace IoT, the lessons from F1 highlight the importance of balancing innovation with robust defenses.
Citations
- Syniti. How data comes in first for Formula 1 racing. Link
- Racecar Engineering. How data works in Formula 1. Retrieved from Link
- Dufrain. Is Formula 1 the world’s most data-driven sport? Link
- Sky Sports. (2024, December 11). Cyber security in F1: McLaren and partner Darktrace explain crucial defences supporting Lando Norris' title challenge. Link
- Axitea. (n.d.). Cyber security in the challenging world of Formula 1. Link
- IoT Insider. (2024, December 11). Automotive IoT security: Understanding risks and implementing strong measures. Link
- Duo. (2015, July 23). Hacker history time: Charlie and Chris hacked a Jeep Cherokee. Link
- Illmatics. Remote car hacking. Link
- Cybellum. (2024, December 11). Breach in Tesla Model 3 TPMS unveils serious security flaw. Link
- Secure-IC. (n.d.). How researchers attacked and broke Tesla Autopilot using voltage glitch. Link
- Kelion, L. (2016, February 24). Nissan Leaf electric cars hack vulnerability disclosed. BBC News. Link
- Trend Micro. (2024, December 11). Nissan Leaf can be hacked via mobile app and web browser. Retrieved from Link
- SecurityWeek. (2024, December 11). BMW patches security flaw that let hackers open doors. Retrieved from Link
Contact us to know more about our solutions.