Cognizant named Aston Martin F1 Global AI Services partner

Cognizant has become Global AI Services Partner to the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, expanding a six-year relationship between the two groups.

The new designation shifts the partnership towards broader use of artificial intelligence across the team's operations. The focus is on moving AI from trial projects into routine use, including support for performance-related decision-making and management of the team's fan database.

Cognizant, a US-listed technology services company, has worked with Aston Martin's Formula 1 operation for several years as the team expanded its use of data and digital systems. The latest agreement gives AI a more defined role in that relationship at a time when Formula 1 teams are seeking faster ways to process large volumes of information on and off the track.

Teams rely on data from car systems, simulations, factory operations and race strategy to guide decisions that can affect performance by the smallest margins. As a result, technology suppliers have become more closely tied to day-to-day operations, not only in engineering but also in commercial and fan engagement functions.

The work will cover AI engineering, cloud, data platforms and digital operations, with the aim of helping Aston Martin use AI more consistently and improve how information is turned into action across complex operating environments.

Part of the expanded remit also covers fan data. The companies said context-enabled AI would be used to manage, support and define Aston Martin's fan database, reflecting a broader trend in sport towards greater use of analytics in commercial activities as teams seek to better understand and communicate with supporters.

AI focus

The announcement comes as companies across sport and industry move from experimental use of generative and predictive AI tools towards more embedded applications in core operations. For Formula 1 teams, that includes support for strategy, logistics, internal workflows and analysis, while commercial departments are also testing AI in areas such as marketing and customer data management.

Ravi Kumar S, Cognizant's chief executive, linked the partnership to the demands of elite motorsport.

"Formula 1 represents the ultimate test bed for applied AI - where real time decisions drive outcomes that are measured in milliseconds," said Ravi Kumar S, Chief Executive Officer, Cognizant.

"Our designation as Global AI Services Partner reflects our commitment to moving beyond AI potential to AI performance, helping organizations translate cutting-edge innovation into measurable returns and realized business value," Kumar added.

Jefferson Slack, who oversees commercial and marketing activities for the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, said the relationship fits the team's operating model.

"Cognizant brings us expertise that aligns with how we operate as a modern Formula 1 team, in an environment that is data-heavy and highly competitive, just like many of their clients in other industries," said Jefferson Slack, Managing Director Commercial and Marketing, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team.

"This expanded partnership strengthens our ability to turn complex data into actionable insight and performance on and off the track," Slack said.

Broader trend

The tie-up underlines how Formula 1 has become a testing ground for digital systems with applications beyond motorsport. Teams increasingly present themselves as advanced data organisations as much as racing operations, attracting technology companies that want to showcase software, cloud services and AI in time-sensitive settings.

For Cognizant, the expanded role gives it a more visible position in a sport where sponsors and technical partners often use team relationships to showcase work in analytics and digital transformation. For Aston Martin, it offers continued access to external technology expertise as it develops systems across sporting and commercial operations.

The two organisations said they would continue to work together on innovation initiatives linked to Formula 1's growing use of data and digital tools. The new designation formalises AI as the main focus of the next stage in their relationship after six years of collaboration.