McLaren Racing has announced a multi-year technology partnership with Intel, which has been appointed as the official compute partner of the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team and Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team and official partner of the McLaren F1 Sim Racing Team.

The partnership combines Intel’s semi-conductor engineering with McLaren Racing’s on-track expertise. Under the agreement, Intel technologies will support McLaren Racing in turning large volumes of data into actionable insight through a secure, scalable compute foundation. This includes trackside edge computing to enable real-time analytics and race-day decision-making.

As part of the partnership, Intel branding will be featured on the McLaren Mastercard F1 Team cars, starting at the Montreal race this weekend. Branding will appear on one of the Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team cars at this year’s Freedom 250 in Washington DC and at the iconic Indy 500 from 2027.

Intel branding will also feature on the McLaren F1 Sim Racing Team on-stage simulators for the final event of the F1 Sim Racing World Championship this month. From the 2027 season, Intel will feature on the team’s virtual livery.

Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing, said, “Performance in IndyCar and Formula 1 racing is driven by technology, and partnering with Intel strengthens our ability to innovate at scale. Intel has already been an important part of our technology ecosystem, and their leadership in computing will play a critical role in how we design, build and race our cars. We’re excited to deepen this relationship even further.”

Lip-Bu Tan, CEO, Intel, added, “Formula 1 racing and IndyCar are some of the ultimate proving grounds for high-performance computing. Intel is proud to be McLaren Racing’s compute partner, and to be part of a team that thrives on precision, speed and innovation. Together, Intel and McLaren will push the boundaries of what’s possible, transforming data into competitive advantage at every turn.”

Related news, Ferrari reimagines mid-rear V8 Spider design with one-off HC25

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Swindon Powertrain has hit the decade milestone as a Bosch Motorsport dealer, providing motorsport teams with access to Bosch’s electronics and technical expertise. Since becoming an official dealer in 2016, the company has supported hundreds of UK-based teams across multiple categories, helping them leverage Bosch’s high-performance systems to gain a competitive edge.

The company supplies the full range of Bosch Motorsport products, including sensors, engine control units, display systems and wiring solutions for a wide variety of motorsport applications. As well as component supply, Swindon Powertrain offers in-house engineering support, assisting teams with everything from product selection to system integration and on-track troubleshooting.

“The Bosch brand is synonymous with quality and performance, so to represent this leading name is a privilege,” said Raphaël Caillé, managing director of Swindon Powertrain. “Our dedicated team is proud to mark this long-standing partnership, during which we have worked diligently to help UK race teams with high-performance solutions. We look forward to continuing to help customers achieve their full potential on track.”

Alan Bell, senior manager at Bosch Motorsport UK, added “Every Bosch Motorsport official dealer is carefully selected to ensure they uphold the quality, precision and technical excellence associated with the Bosch brand. We have found an outstanding partner in Swindon Powertrain. Both companies deliver solutions that have been proven time and time again in the toughest of race conditions. We’re delighted to continue this complementary alliance so Bosch Motorsport customers in the UK continue to receive world-class products and the highest levels of technical support.”

Related news, Exclusive interview: Honda’s Shintaro Orihara on the team’s 2026 F1 power unit

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McLaren Racing has announced an extension of its partnership with Dell Technologies, continuing a long-standing collaboration that supports the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team and McLaren F1 Sim Racing Team on and off the track.

The partnership, which began in 2018, has become a critical part of how McLaren designs, develops and operates its race cars throughout the season. Dell’s technology is used across the organization, from engineering and manufacturing to real time operations during the race weekends.

As part of the renewed partnership, Dell will continue to provide the computing tools and infrastructure that enable McLaren’s people to collaborate globally and respond quickly to the demands of a modern Formula 1 campaign. This includes supporting intensive analysis, simulation work and day-to-day operations for team members at the factory, on the road and at the track. Dell hardware also powers McLaren’s e-sports activity through the McLaren F1 Sim Racing Team.

Using Dell

Using the Dell AI Factory, including Dell PowerEdge servers and end-to-end AI capabilities, McLaren processes up to 1.5TB of data per race weekend, enabling rapid simulation, digital twin modeling and real-time scenario planning.

To meet the demands of high-performance computing, McLaren’s data foundation is powered by Dell PowerStore and Dell PowerScale, enabling scalable storage for complex modeling and computational fluid dynamics workloads, ensuring the team can accelerate development and deploy in-season upgrades with agility.

Zak Brown, chief executive officer, McLaren Racing, said, “Our work with Dell Technologies has become a natural part of how we operate as a Formula 1 team. Their support strengthens the way we work across the organization, helping us stay agile and competitive in a sport where details matter. Extending this partnership reflects the confidence we have in what we can achieve together.”

Gerri Tunnell, chief marketing officer, Dell Technologies, added, “The relationship between Dell Technologies and McLaren Racing showcases what’s possible when two organizations are dedicated to pushing boundaries. Dell’s solutions are a catalyst for human progress. With McLaren, we’re demonstrating how the combination of powerful technology and human ingenuity can deliver real competitive advantages in high-stakes environments – an approach that inspires innovation across industries worldwide.”

Related news, Schneider Electric becomes McLaren Racing energy technology partner 

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Following a partnership data and telemetry specialist Race Data Labs (RDL) and consultation with drivers, Formula Drift has announced changes to the race format for the 2026 season.

Formula Drift has a history of making changes to enhance the experience for teams and fans. After two years of the All-Tandem Qualifying format, the organizers held two driver summits to gather feedback and suggestions. Based on these discussions and the recent implementation of a reliable data and telemetry system from Race Data Labs, Formula Drift will adjust the format according to the preferences expressed by the majority of drivers in each championship.

The outcome

The majority of Pro Championship drivers voted to remove the All-Tandem Seeding Bracket Qualification format, which was used to seed the Top 32 competition places.

In an effort to accommodate the wishes of each championship, the Formula Drift executives had to consider that any format change requiring extended track time could necessitate cutting the number of drivers in either championship to ensure there was sufficient time for practice, qualifying and competition on “combined weekends,” where both Pro and Prospec Championships compete. Without making concessions, the return to the longer Two-Run Qualifying format could have led to major disruptions to the required practice and qualifying time prior to Top 32 competition.

As Single-Run Qualifying had proven insufficient, options for replacing the All-Tandem format in Pro were limited. In response, Formula Drift partnered with Race Data Labs to implement its UDSM (Universal Drift Scoring Method). The Australia-based telemetry company will automate objective elements of individual qualifying runs, enabling a return to Two-Run Qualifying for the Pro Championship within existing weekend schedules.

Under the new system, approximately 80% of a Pro driver’s qualifying score will be automated. The UDSM platform will quantify and score drift line and car angle. The remaining 20%, based on driving style, will continue to be evaluated by the three Formula Drift judges, as it requires subjective assessment of difficulty and driver errors. Style scoring will be separated from the automated categories.

In addition to supporting Two-Run Qualifying, the RDL system will be installed in all competition cars throughout the weekend. It will provide judges with consistent physical data during competition, including measurements of proximity, comparative angle and speed. The system will also quantify deceleration – building on the existing Decel Lights technology – and deliver clear data in the event of contact to help determine fault. It can also detect when a driver places one or more tires off course, simplifying position assessments.

Michael Vernuccio from Race Data Labs said, “Race Data Labs is beyond excited to integrate into the 2026 Formula Drift program. Our role will extend beyond traditional drift telemetry to help evolve the sport into a new era of digital judging. Our current UDSM system – a platform that supports drivers, teams, fans and competition operations, while evolving the process of judging itself – has been capturing drift telemetry for more than three years in 12 different countries, so its adoption by FD presents a new pathway for integration into the sport as a whole.”

Formula Drift president Ryan Sage added, “Michael and his team have created a truly powerful system. It’s been developed by highly talented operators who are drifters first, so UDSM carries the fingerprints of people who drift, and you can see that in its operation.

The RDL system will also be made available to the fans. “We can propel the sport forward by incorporating much of the UDSM data into our free-to-view livestream broadcasts,” Sage said. “By capturing, animating and dynamically transmitting the data, fans can share the robust backbone of the system and gain a greater understanding of the most nuanced motorsport series in the world.”

Related news, Red Bull Ford Powertrains reveals how metrology partner Hexagon helped shape its first F1 powertrain

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Formula E has announced a multi-year partnership with Google Cloud, which has been named principal artificial intelligence (AI) partner of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

The partnership aims to demonstrate the potential of AI to drive positive impact across Formula E’s business operations.

The agreement builds on the official partnership first formalized in January 2025. Google Cloud’s elevation to principal partner involves Formula E adopting more Google Cloud technologies for its business, such as integrating Gemini models across its ecosystem to accelerate performance, deliver faster and more efficient operations, and showcase innovation on a global stage.

Partnership built on a technology foundation

Building on previous collaborations, including Formula E’s indoor land-speed record and the Mountain Recharge project, the championship used Google’s AI Studio and Gemini models to map the optimal route for the Genbeta car’s mountain descent. The AI also identified and analyzed braking zones, enabling the car to generate sufficient energy through regenerative braking to complete a full lap of the Monaco circuit.

Driving business transformation and sustainability

Beyond the racetrack, the partnership aims to enhance the championship’s operations.

Formula E will use Google Workspace with Gemini to improve agility and efficiency across the organization. Advanced AI modeling of back-office operations and the creation of race and event digital twins allows the championship to simulate and optimize site builds virtually, reducing on-site reconnaissance and heavy equipment transportation. This approach helps lower Formula E’s operational carbon footprint while maintaining peak performance.

Jeff Dodds, the CEO of Formula E, said, “Our expanded partnership with Google Cloud is a true game-changer for Formula E and for motorsport as a whole. We are already pushing the boundaries of technology in sport, and this principal partnership confirms our vision. The integration of Google Cloud’s AI capabilities will unlock a new dimension of real-time performance optimization and strategic decision-making, both for the championship and for our global broadcast audience. This collaboration will redefine how fans experience our races, and set a new benchmark for technology integration in sport worldwide.”

The president of Google Cloud EMEA, Tara Brady, added, “Formula E is a hub of innovation, where milliseconds can define success. This expanded partnership is a testament to the power of Google Cloud’s AI and data analytics, showing how our technology can deliver a competitive advantage in the most demanding scenarios.”

In related news, Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 to use Microsoft cloud and enterprise AI technologies to enhance racing performance

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Microsoft and the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team have announced a multiyear partnership that will use Microsoft’s cloud and enterprise AI technologies to enhance race team performance.

The 2026 Formula 1 regulation changes usher in a new era of racing with increased electrification, efficiency and sustainability, representing one of the most significant technical evolutions in modern Formula 1 history. As the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team prepares for this transformation, it is partnering with Microsoft to harness the power of its cloud and enterprise artificial intelligence (AI) technologies across the business, from the factory to the racetrack.

“Our sport is driven by those who lead through innovation,” said Toto Wolff, CEO and team principal, Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team. “We are delighted to partner with Microsoft, one of the world’s foremost technology leaders, whose name is synonymous with groundbreaking innovation. This partnership also reflects our commitment to staying at the forefront of performance and progress. By putting Microsoft’s technology at the center of how we operate as a team, we will create faster insights, smarter collaboration and new ways of working as we look ahead to the next generation in F1.”

In a sport defined by split-second margins and data-driven decisions, Formula 1 places extreme demands on enterprise systems, including high data volumes, real-time analysis and global operations. Through their partnership, Microsoft and the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team seek to demonstrate how enterprise technology can support performance at the highest level of competition.

“This partnership puts Microsoft’s cloud and enterprise AI technologies at the heart of racing performance, where milliseconds matter and data determines outcomes,” said Judson Althoff, CEO, Microsoft commercial business. “Together with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, we are harnessing data and turning it into real-time intelligence that powers faster decisions, smarter strategies and sustained competitive advantage – both on and off the track.”

Data collection

Each Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team car carries more than 400 sensors, generating over 1.1 million data points per second – from tire degradation and aerodynamic behavior to energy recovery system deployment and evolving track conditions.

Microsoft Azure and its AI capabilities will expand the team’s existing high-performance computing and data capabilities, both the factory and trackside, with scalable cloud and AI resources supporting simulation workloads, performance analysis, race strategy modeling and cross-team analytics.

Microsoft 365 and GitHub integration

Microsoft 365 and GitHub already support the team with key workflows across its sites and trackside, with expanded use of Microsoft 365 planned to further improve efficiency and innovation. Microsoft’s GitHub tools support faster engineering innovation and performance optimization, with the team set to deepen GitHub integration to streamline and accelerate development workflows.

Real-time testing and scaling

“It is a privilege to welcome Microsoft into the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team partner ecosystem,” said Richard Sanders, chief commercial officer, Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team. “Microsoft’s technology already plays a central role in how we operate as a business, and this partnership opens new opportunities to innovate as we look toward the next era of technological development. I look forward to seeing how our teams collaborate to unlock new ways of working across the organization.”

Using Microsoft Azure, the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team leveraged real-time sensor data and cloud tools to pilot intelligent virtual sensors, enabling faster testing without new on-premises infrastructure. Using Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), the team scaled computing power up or down as needed, achieving technological advances while meeting financial and regulatory requirements.

Related news, Ford and Red Bull Racing accelerate 2026 F1 power unit development with advanced manufacturing and simulation

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Nissan Formula E Team has announced the continuation of its collaboration with Coral, which has been in place since October 2023, for the next two seasons of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The UAE-based climate technology company assists businesses in managing their carbon emissions and environmental, sustainable and governance (ESG) requirements through an AI-native platform.

Since the companies joined forces, Coral has deployed a tailored version of its emissions management system (EMS) configured to Nissan Formula E Team‘s operational footprint. The company has also provided operation mapping and data structuring, automated data ingestion and normalization, as well as advanced emissions calculation and methodology to further enhance its support of the team.

This has enabled the team to transition from fragmented data collection to a structured, transparent emissions management framework. This capability not only supports compliance with FIA and GHG Protocol requirements but also assists Nissan Formula E Team in pursuing measurable emissions reduction targets with confidence.

Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal, Nissan Formula E Team, said, “Nissan Formula E Team is delighted to extend its partnership with Coral. It’s a natural decision to make, considering the great value Coral generates for us. We’re very happy with the detail and reliability of the reports we receive and also the quality of the carbon offsetting Coral provides. I’m looking forward to progressing even further in our sustainability goals with Coral’s continued support.”

Daniele Sileri, CEO, Coral, added, “Renewing our agreement with Nissan Formula E Team is a testament to the shared vision and trust we’ve built over the past seasons. Their commitment to rigorous emissions tracking, reduction and responsible offsetting aligns perfectly with Coral’s mission. We’re excited to support the team as it continues to set new standards for environmental accountability in global motorsport.”

In related news, Riedel Communications and Racing Electronics announce motorsport communications partnership for US market

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Riedel Communications has formed a strategic partnership with Racing Electronics, a provider of motorsport communication equipment in the USA, to deliver communication solutions that will “enhance safety, efficiency and performance for race operations, controls, teams, drivers and fans alike”.

The collaboration brings together Riedel Communications’ expertise in advanced intercom technologies, including its Artist-1024 infrastructures and Bolero wireless intercom system, with Racing Electronics’ extensive radio communications experience and wide range of US market-specific tailored communication accessories.

Based on the partnership, Riedel will open North America Motorsport Competence Centers in Racing Electronics’ facilities, building substantial staff and equipment resources to support both US and visiting racing events. By combining Riedel’s decades of experience in large racing series like Formula 1 with Racing Electronics’ leading products and customer service, this collaboration will deliver “seamless, reliable and high-quality communication systems for all levels of motorsport”, the companies said in a statement.

By integrating Riedel’s advanced signal distribution and intercom networks with Racing Electronics’ deep market expertise, the collaboration will ensure clear, uninterrupted communication to enhance safety and optimize team performance across all levels of racing. The partnership will also bring a comprehensive suite of support services tailored to the needs of teams and drivers.

“We are excited to join forces with Racing Electronics to bring our innovative communication solutions to the US motorsport market,” said Lutz Rathmann, CEO for managed technology at Riedel Communications. “This partnership represents a significant step forward in our mission to enhance safety, sustainability and innovation in motorsport.”

Chris Schwartz, president, Racing Electronics, added, “Early this year, we embarked on a project with Riedel at Daytona, and it was abundantly clear that our companies were aligned around a shared vision of innovation and collaboration. Together, we are well positioned to set new standards and grow our respective businesses while continuing to exceed the expectations of our customers.”

In related news, BWT Alpine F1 Team partners with Avature to strengthen talent management ahead of 2026 season

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Cosworth has transitioned to a Software as a Service (SaaS) model with the introduction of Pi Toolbox, providing continuous updates, reduced upfront costs and quicker access to new features.

Already used in series such as IndyCar, WEC, Formula 1, WRC, Super Formula and BTCC, Pi Toolbox is widely adopted for analyzing complex, time-synchronized data. The new subscription model builds on this use, making the same continually updated engineering tools available to teams across different levels of the sport.

Paul Newby, managing director at Cosworth Electronics, said, “Pi Toolbox has powered decision-making in top-tier motorsport for nearly three decades, and this next step is one of the most significant evolutions in its history. By moving to a true Software as a Service model, we’re giving teams continuous access to the latest capability the moment it’s ready – not once a year, not behind an upgrade fee, but as an always-current platform. It means engineers, drivers and data specialists at every level around the world can operate with the same clarity, precision and pace of development trusted at the very top of the sport.”

Drivers and engineers across the globe use Pi Toolbox to identify time gain and time loss across laps; compare throttle, brake and steering traces; analyze racing lines, vehicle dynamics and driver inputs; evaluate tire behavior, consistency and performance trends; and sync on-car video directly with data for deeper understanding.

A motorsport-focused SaaS platform

Pi Toolbox v14 introduces automatic updates, expanded real-time telemetry support, faster unit-change workflows and usability improvements, built-in bug reporting and live feedback mechanisms, continued Matlab integration and API improvements.

The SaaS approach enables continuous updates, where users automatically receive the latest features, workflow improvements and engineering refinements.

It has a lower entry cost than the previous perpetual Pi Toolbox license model, which required a high upfront payment followed by annual upgrade fees. The subscription approach reduces that initial cost, making the software more accessible to teams, clubs, engineers and driver coaches.

Finally, the solution offers a single platform for the entire motorsport community. Whether analyzing telemetry in professional championships or supporting driver development in training environments, all users work from the same continuously updated core platform.

While Pi Toolbox remains focused on professional motorsport, the platform also offers a controlled pathway for simulation users to access the same analysis environment. Through Cosworth’s collaboration with iRacing, sim racers can use Pi Toolbox natively – an industry first – while still operating within an extension of the core motorsport tool.

In related news, JRI Shocks enhances damper development capability with eMpulse load frame

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BWT Alpine Formula One Team has announced a partnership with Avature, which will be the team’s artificial intelligence (AI) platform partner for human capital management (HCM). The partnership began at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with Avature branding set to appear on the Alpine A526 for the first time in the 2026 season.

Avature provides HR teams with tools to design customized talent management systems. Its configurable platform and AI capabilities are designed to support organizations in allocating human resources effectively.

For the BWT Alpine Formula One Team, the partnership focuses on navigating Formula One’s highly specialized talent market, which includes roles such as aerodynamicists, data scientists and financial analysts. In this context, candidate profiles and employee experience play an important role. Avature’s AI-based platform combines data with human input to support the team in identifying, developing and retaining talent in a high-performance environment.

“We’re proud to begin our collaboration with Avature and can’t wait to embark on this journey with Dimitri and the team starting this weekend in Abu Dhabi,” said Guy Martin, global marketing director, BWT Alpine Formula One Team. “BWT Alpine Formula One Team and Avature align completely on the value our team members offer as part of a Formula One team. Each hard-fought result on the track, parts deadline in the factory and ‘eureka moment’ in the design office comes from the impressive staff we have at our disposal. It is imperative that we add to our existing pool of talent and thanks to Avature’s expertise we can achieve this together.”

“In the high-stakes world of Formula One, success on track starts with people,” said Dimitri Boylan, founder and CEO of Avature. “From drivers and engineers to data scientists and strategists, the ability to attract, develop and retain top talent is what makes teams competitive. BWT Alpine Formula One Team embodies the challenger spirit – taking on rivals with ingenuity and determination. That’s exactly how Avature approaches HR technology. Together, we’ll show how talent, powered by the right AI platform, can become the ultimate advantage.”

In related news, BMW and Peugeot confirm 2026 Hypercar line-ups

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