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In modern sports, data is no longer just a support tool — it’s a game-changer. From early calculations of odds and probabilities to today’s sophisticated analytics, data has become deeply intertwined with athletic performance across disciplines. Nowhere is this more evident than in Formula E and football, two vastly different sports that share a common reliance on detailed data insights.
Data has long been crucial in motorsport, with sensors embedded in cars sending a constant stream of information back to engineers. Meanwhile, in team sports like Major League Baseball and T20 cricket, analytics drive key decisions such as player recruitment and tactical strategies. But how do two top organisations—the Nissan Formula E Team and Manchester City Football Club—approach data today?
Cristina Mañas Fernández, Head of Performance and Simulation at Nissan Formula E Team, and Simon Timson, Performance Director at Manchester City FC, recently shared insights into their work, revealing how critical data is in shaping success at the highest level.
A Shared Reliance on Data, Different Approaches
“For us, data provides unique insights across all areas of the club," said Timson, who joined Manchester City in 2020. "It helps in talent identification, recruitment, tactical planning, injury prevention, and more. Accurate real-time and retrospective data reduces uncertainty and gives decision-makers greater confidence.”
In Formula E, the dependency is equally strong but includes an additional layer: the car itself. "We have the athlete — the driver — but also the complex machine," Mañas explained. "We gather data every time the car is on track, which allows engineers to fine-tune performance for the next session."
Squad Size and Flexibility
One key difference between the two sports is the size of the talent pool. Manchester City’s large squad allows for significant flexibility, with data used to build individual profiles and inform tactical choices for each match.
"We quantify over 20 concepts within our game model to create positional profiles," said Timson. "This helps us select the best team for each game and informs recruitment."
In contrast, the Nissan Formula E Team works with just two race drivers, Oliver Rowland and Norman Nato. "We can’t model driver styles in numbers," Mañas noted. "Instead, engineers work closely with each driver to understand their individual needs and optimise car setups accordingly."
Preparation and Planning
Preparation timelines also vary between the sports. Formula E teams know their race calendar months in advance, allowing for detailed planning, while football teams, especially those competing on multiple fronts like Manchester City, often face congested fixture schedules.
Mañas described Formula E’s approach: "Preparation for a race weekend begins two to three weeks beforehand with a pre-event report, simulator sessions, and then live adjustments once at the track."
Similarly, Manchester City prepares thoroughly, but with a different focus. "We analyse data to prepare tactical packages for the manager, Pep Guardiola," Timson said. "Our data helps identify opposition strengths and weaknesses, but decisions are ultimately more subjective compared to the engineering precision of motorsport."
Real-Time Insights
During events, Formula E teams rely heavily on real-time data, continuously adjusting strategy based on telemetry and driver feedback. "We prioritise changes based on millions of data points, complemented by the driver’s instincts," Mañas said.
Football, however, is still developing its real-time data capabilities. "Motor racing is ahead of human sports in this area," admitted Timson. "Football has cultural elements that data can’t fully capture yet, but it’s advancing rapidly."
The Future of Data in Sport
Despite their differences, both experts agree that data will only grow in importance. Whether managing a high-tech race car or a world-class football team, success increasingly hinges on the ability to collect, interpret, and act on vast amounts of information.
As Mañas and Timson continue refining their methods, it’s clear that in the future of sports, those who master data will have the ultimate competitive edge.
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