Optimal control for a Formula One car with variable parameters

Abstract

The minimum-lap-time optimal control problem for a Formula One race car is solved using direct transcription and nonlinear programming. Features of this work include significantly reduced full-lap solution times and the simultaneous optimisation of the driven line, the driver controls and multiple car set-up parameters. It is shown that significant reductions in the driven lap time can be obtained from track-specific set-up parameter optimisation. Reduced computing times are achieved using a combination of a track description based on curvilinear coordinates, analytical derivatives and model non-dimensionalisation. The curvature of the track centre line is found by solving an auxiliary optimal control problem that negates the difficulties associated with integration drift and trajectory closure.