Discovering ServiceNow: the software giving wings to Aston Martin F1
The collaboration established in 2023 has revolutionized the IT services of the Silverstone-based team. Here are the different ways improved work and resource management can help Aston Martin gain valuable seconds on track.
In recent seasons, the ambitions of the Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team have grown significantly. This is evidenced by the large investments in facilities, including the new wind tunnel, and in human capital, with high-profile figures such as Adrian Newey joining Silverstone. From the very beginning, team owner Lawrence Stroll has never hidden his goal: to lead the team to a Formula 1 World Championship. In a sport where every detail counts, it is essential not only to have top-class facilities and personnel but also to choose partners capable of providing the best services for daily operations. In a company with over 1,000 employees, the ability to connect staff, data, and work processes as quickly and securely as possible is crucial. Since 2023, Aston Martin has partnered with ServiceNow, a company providing the team’s IT service management platform. Although implementing such systems is no simple task—given that all Formula 1 teams constantly chase cutting-edge technologies—when done correctly, it can make a real difference, especially in terms of on-track performance.
Connecting people and processes
The Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team employs over 1,000 people, making it essential to have a platform that allows different individuals and departments to communicate quickly. ServiceNow provides this service through mobile devices, enabling employees to report issues immediately from anywhere, whether at the factory or the track. Whether it is a broken or damaged car component in the factory or track-related operational issues, ServiceNow allows Aston Martin staff to log reports securely and in real time. Speed is always crucial in Formula 1, both in daily operations and on track. Sioned Edwards, IT Operations Director at Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team, emphasizes: “Our industry is based on being the fastest. Every minute saved in resolving incidents or responding to requests allows designers, technicians, and engineers to remain productive and improve car performance.”
Data analysis and performance gains
To be competitive—and ultimately winning—in Formula 1, having the best resources to collect and analyze data is critical. Between simulations and track activities, a team like Aston Martin deals with massive amounts of information that must be processed quickly and accurately to make performance-enhancing decisions. This need led Silverstone to collaborate with ServiceNow, particularly leveraging “ServiceNow ITOM Discovery” and the “Configuration Management Database.” Edwards confirms tangible improvements: “Before ServiceNow, our IT department struggled to access reliable data to make decisions or monitor performance metrics. Now, we use the collected data to provide top-level service.” Recognizing urgent issues that require immediate resolution is also key, another area where ServiceNow supports the team. Edwards adds: “If an issue affects a race weekend, we have alert systems that help us focus on priorities. At the end of the day, that’s our job.”
Cost reduction and future innovation
Since 2021, Formula 1 has had a budget cap, limiting team spending. This requires even greater efficiency in controlling and reducing unnecessary costs. ServiceNow has helped Aston Martin here as well: since the partnership began, the average response time to incidents has decreased by four hours, saving thousands of pounds. Both companies aim to use the latest technologies to further reduce time and costs, with on-track performance benefits. Artificial intelligence is a key innovation, used in F1 to optimize spending and save precious seconds. Edwards explains: “On track, we compete for fractions of a second. Every moment saved in our operations is time we can dedicate to making the car faster.”
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