Experimentation Works

CHAPTER 5

Inside an Experimentation Organization

Experimentation is the least arrogant method of gaining knowledge.

—ATTRIBUTED TO ISAAC ASIMOV, AUTHOR AND SCIENTIST

In 2012, Lotus F1 Team surprised many observers with its performance in the team’s first Formula One season. Driver Kimi Räikkönen placed third overall (out of twenty-five drivers), and Lotus placed ahead of Mercedes, which has won the championship each year since 2014. This was in spite of the Lotus team’s having an annual budget of only around $180 million, much less than that of some other teams. Rather, the team understood that just throwing money and technology at the competition was no guarantee for success, as Toyota learned the hard way during its eight-season F1 stint: it ...