Motorsport is increasingly moving towards sustainable initiatives and bases in competition. Formula 1 is probably the biggest for many, and they have slowly taken steps towards green alternatives. There, Rob Smedley has been an engineer for the category at various teams for 25 years, being one of the most experienced on the subject.
He currently works as System Data Manager at the Grand Circus, providing him with a unique insight when analyzing the transition to a sustainable landscape, which is why Airspeeder had a rich conversation with the Briton about the new and first 100% eVTOL division, among other things.
“I think it’s really interesting, a brilliant concept. Again it’s something that captures the imagination and it’s a great offering at a fan engagement level. But more importantly, it’s a new vision for sustainable motoring and a new way to inspire and involve people,” Smedley said when asked about Airspeeder.
Related Content: Airspeeder Joins Forces with Telstra Purple
Also, he discussed how autonomous driving can change the landscape of the automotive industry in a unique way. However, he thinks that when it comes to Formula 1, the combination of human effort and technology are two unbreakable characteristics that are rarely separable for the future.
“I’m a big supporter of autonomous driving and autonomous racing…. But on the human element, it puts you at risk and that edge-of-the-seat experience will never go away. That’s what we’ve seen even recently in F1, with two drivers from two different teams fighting for the championship, which really makes it entertaining for the viewer.”
Finally, he spoke clearly about sustainability in motorsport from two points of view: financial and environmental. “Most families simply can’t afford to kart at a competitive level. If you’re investing a lot into a sport but you’re more than a second off the pace, it’s discouraging and doesn’t have the effect the sport should have on younger generations.”
Written by | Ronald Ortega
