'Marginal gains and reliability matter everywhere': How a key SAP upgrade is helping Mercedes soar to Formula 1 triumph in 2026

As the 2026 Formula 1 season concludes, Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 is clinching victories in both the driver's and constructor's championships. However, the team's pursuit of speed is underpinned by a continuously evolving technology stack, supported by various partners to maintain a competitive edge. SAP is a crucial partner for the team, and following a significant upgrade, we interviewed Dean Corcoran, Head of ERP and IT at Mercedes-AMG F1 Team, to understand how it contributes to their championship push.

The team's success is the result of the collective skills of Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team to design, build, operate, and advance the car. Underlying this performance is the technology stack that allows their personnel to perform effectively. SAP plays a key role in this, serving as the system of record for cost, procurement, manufacturing, and operational processes, providing vital data to support decision-making.

The upgrade to the latest S/4HANA release was primarily aimed at strengthening the team's core enterprise platform, making it more robust and efficient, and preparing for new analytics and AI use cases. Upgrading an ERP platform mid-season, especially a business-critical one like S/4HANA, requires meticulous planning to avoid disrupting operations.

The team's implementation involved understanding the potential impact, developing a comprehensive testing plan with precise timings and staffing requirements, and executing the plan with excellence. SAP's support was crucial in ensuring a seamless transition to the new platform without any business disruption.

Software upgrades can significantly enhance an organization's ability to deliver value through supported processes. In the context of Mercedes F1, where speed and accuracy are paramount, improvements in the ERP system can lead to faster and more accurate process execution, freeing up time and resources for decision-making. A well-executed software upgrade can thus contribute to the team's overall performance, especially in a competitive environment like Formula 1.

The upgrade to S/4HANA 2025 will provide the team with enhanced insight, enabling them to make informed decisions promptly. This, combined with SAP's latest Fiori and analytics capabilities, could potentially bring additional performance enhancements in the future. Marginal gains and reliability are critical in the pursuit of both championships, and the team's move to RISE and the upgrade to S/4HANA 2025 are strategic steps towards achieving these goals.