Yeah I think there is no question, even though sometimes the racing lines on the AP are very weird... and that it will sometimes disengage in strange positions.

There are some cases where I am not sure it will actually outrun an human pilot. In the first straight of Anulpha, is taking the three speed pads (in an oblique line) more beneficial than AP? Maybe... But that is a very specific case: maybe the AP speed boost makes up for any speed pads he misses (quite a few actually?).
I think you are right about the hairpin: no way to make it there faster than the AP... However, I'd rather be slower in the turn (I often let go of the thrust there) with a boost ready for the first jump.