Thread

1. jrflo · 1791166844 · focus · HN ↗

   A question for someone who knows more about F1: Is this firmware shared by all cars? Or some local server at the track the cars connect to? Why is F1 able to control individual cars like this? The article is very light on details as to what exactly is going on...

   1. vsskanth · 1791167217 · focus · HN ↗

      The firmware situation is mixed. The ECU hardware is a standard TAG700 from McLaren. Basically these are software-defined ECUs where you can do whatever. However, FIA has some rules on what you're allowed to modify and has some "compulsory" software in there for monitoring and competition regulatory reasons. It appears there was very limited testing of this module in wet conditions which seems to have affected a lot of vehicles. (I work in Motorsports)

      1. xeonmc · 1791168762 · focus · HN ↗

         So basically like the anticheat rootkits used in online games to detect ilicit software controls on the player pc's?

         1. vsskanth · 1791170000 · focus · HN ↗

            F1 vehicles have a lot of actively controlled systems - Engine, MGU, Diff, Brake Bias, Aero etc. Their way of allowing active control but preventing "driver aids" like traction control, torque vectoring is to tightly regulate and give them a box where they can place their controls and what inputs they are allowed to use.

Unofficial Hacker News client; not affiliated with Y Combinator.