# Pushing or Pacing or Pulling Back From the AI Frontier?

> Source: <https://spyglass.org/ai-frontier-race/>
> Published: 2026-08-19 15:42:10+00:00

# Pushing or Pacing or Pulling Back From the AI Frontier?

This is a strange moment in time for AI. I mean, things are always sort of strange simply given the breakneck speed at which the technology is evolving. But that's the thing about right now: we're sort of paused? At least at the all-important frontier.

We're used to a race. The various parties racing don't like to frame it that way publicly, but come on. It's a race. To AGI. Or RSI. For talent. Or the best models. Or to the models that simply score best on various tests. But in the past few weeks, it almost seems like it's more of a caution flag situation, to extend the metaphor. When the yellow flag is out in an F1 race, drivers must slow down and get behind a safety car. No overtaking is allowed. All drivers adhere to this for the integrity of the race – and so no one gets killed in moments of uncertainty...