In Formula 1, every millisecond matters. Races are won and lost not just on raw speed, but on the razor-thin margin of split-second decisions, whether it’s a driver threading through the chaos of a circuit or a strategist gambling on the pit wall. Every season, twenty of the world’s finest drivers hurl themselves toward the checkered flag, their dreams built or broken in fractions of a second.
Now, BOSS and Apple are bringing fans closer than ever to that high-adrenaline reality. Through an immersive new experience powered by Apple Vision Pro and developed with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team, fans can step beyond the grandstand and into the cockpit itself (well, sort of) — feeling the intensity, precision, and pressure of motorsport like never before.
Ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, we sat down with two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso to talk about technology, composure, and what it really means to think like a BOSS when the lights go out.
YOU’VE SPENT DECADES AT THE VERY HEART OF FORMULA 1. HOW DOES IT FEEL TO SEE TECHNOLOGY LIKE APPLE VISION PRO NOW ALLOWING FANS TO (VIRTUALLY) EXPERIENCE WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE IN YOUR WORLD?
It’s impressive how far things have come. When I started, even onboard cameras were quite simple. Now fans can almost sit in the cockpit with us. Formula One has always been about technology, so it’s nice that fans can get a little closer to what we experience and understand the speed and intensity of every lap.
HOW DO YOU THINK THIS IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE CAN HELP FANS UNDERSTAND THE INSTINCT AND STRATEGY THAT GO INTO THOSE SPLIT-SECOND CALLS?
I think experiences like this help people understand the speed at which drivers must respond. It gives an appreciation for why we react the way we do and how much we have to trust the team who aren’t in the car with us. It’s a team effort and this really shows that.
THIS IMMERSIVE PROJECT IS ABOUT “STEPPING INTO THE MIND OF A BOSS.” WHAT DOES THAT PHRASE MEAN TO YOU PERSONALLY AS A DRIVER? WHAT MOMENT FROM YOUR RACING CAREER WOULD YOU WANT FANS TO EXPERIENCE THROUGH THE HEADSET?
For me, being a BOSS is about staying in control and remaining calm — especially when things don’t go to plan. There are so many moments that would be interesting for someone who isn’t an F1 driver, so it’s hard to pick just one. But I’d say a high-adrenaline wheel-to-wheel fight would be nice for fans to experience.
WHAT RITUALS OR TECHNIQUES PUT YOU INTO YOUR OWN “BOSS MODE” BEFORE A RACE WEEKEND?
I wouldn’t say I have special rituals, but I have a routine I know well after so many races. Good rest, preparation, keeping things familiar. That’s what helps me get into the right mindset. No crazy superstitions, unfortunately!
IF TECHNOLOGY COULD ALLOW YOU TO RELIVE YOUR ABSOLUTE BOSS MOMENT FROM YOUR CAREER, WHICH ONE WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO LIVE FOREVER, AND WHY THAT ONE ABOVE ALL THE REST?
I’ve had many special moments, but a timely one would maybe be Brazil 2005 — winning my first World Championship. That meant a lot. Crossing the line and knowing we’d done it, that feeling stays with you forever.
FORMULA 1 IS A SPORT THAT RELIES HEAVILY ON TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION. IF YOU COULD BE THE BOSS OF BRINGING IN NEW TECHNOLOGY TO THE SPORT — WITH NO BUDGET AND NO LIMITATIONS — WHAT WOULD YOU INTRODUCE?
Formula One already uses a lot of technology, so we should be careful about adding more. The driving still needs to feel pure. If new technology comes, it has to be the right fit. Maybe something along the lines of making the cars safer or the racing closer, but without taking away the human element that makes this sport what it is. I also miss having certain strategic elements as a driver, so maybe something that we can use in a race that we could all do differently when attacking and defending positions.
FINALLY, COMPLETE THE SENTENCE FOR FANS: “TO THINK LIKE A BOSS IN A FORMULA 1 CAR, YOU MUST LEARN TO ________.”
“To think like a BOSS in a Formula One car, you must learn to stay calm when everything around you is chaos.”
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