The Human Engine Project submitted for consideration at SXSW 2027

The Human Engine Project is a collaboration between TGR Haas F1 Team and UCM focused on understanding the human side of performance and its potential to inform how we work, recover and perform, both inside Formula 1 and beyond.

Titled “The Human Engine: Sleep, Stress and Performance in F1,” the proposal explores how the human factors behind elite performance can be understood, measured and optimised, looking beyond the machinery and technology of Formula 1 to the people at its heart.

SXSW brings together leading voices from technology, healthcare, business and culture, making it an opportunity to share the Human Engine story with audiences beyond the world of motorsport. SXSW 2027 will take place in Austin, Texas – home of the United States Grand Prix – from March 13 - 21, with the main conferences and festivals running from March 15 - 21. 

Formula 1 is an environment where marginal gains matter, and while engineering innovation is visible throughout the sport, the physical and mental demands placed on the people working within it are equally significant. The collaboration shines a light on these often unseen factors, examining the role that sleep, stress and recovery can play in supporting performance at the highest level.

“The modern day F1 schedule with car build, pre-season tests, and over 20 races is challenging both physically – owing to the large amount of travel, jet lag, and the physical nature of race team roles – but also socially with large amounts of time away from home and families," shared Dan Martin, Lead Performance Coach of TGR Haas F1 Team. “Working alongside the team at UCM, we’re looking forward to looking closer at these stressors, quantifying what they mean, but most importantly looking to develop solutions to support all three of health and wellbeing, career longevity, and overall team performance.”