An everyday Tesla mannequin for $25,000 could be pointless, says the CEO

Formula 1® is one of the most advanced sports in the world and is known for pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering, aerodynamics and data analysis. Not only are cars built using state-of-the-art materials and advanced aerodynamic research, but they are also equipped with hundreds of sensors that provide live data to driving teams. Tire wear, road conditions, fuel consumption, competitors' performance – each factor influences the delicate performance of what is essentially a land rocket in terms of speed, power, acceleration and danger. With race speeds regularly exceeding 200 miles per hour, there isn't much room for error.
Behind the scenes, Lenovo plays a critical role, providing the technology that helps drive F1 operations and enhance the experience for drivers, teams and fans alike. Lenovo has been an official partner of Formula 1 since 2022 and its technology – including through its subsidiary Motorola – is anchored at the heart of the Formula 1 teams. Perhaps most compellingly, the company's technology will be used to deliver real-time graphics from the track to F1 fans, giving them unprecedented access to the crucial moments of a race.
“The DNA and values ​​of sport are a perfect fit with industry-leading technology companies like Lenovo, which are focused on transforming the way we live, work and learn through technological innovation,” said Gerald Youngblood, General Manager of SMB Sales and former CMO of Lenovo North America. “Formula 1 and Lenovo share a broad range of values: passion, performance, innovation, premium quality and customer focus, as well as a shared commitment to promoting sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and training the next generation of talent.”
Digital Trends sat down with Youngblood to learn more about the technology Lenovo is bringing to Formula 1 – and how it's improving the fan experience and paving the way for the future of auto racing.
What role does Lenovo play when I'm watching a race and see these supercars racing around the track? How does it help drive racing and the global fan experience?
There are different ways technology is used in Formula 1. Our technology – including personal and commercial laptops and desktop devices, monitors, tablets and Motorola smartphones – supports everyone from executives to trackside operations engineers. Over 600 employees benefit from Lenovo devices.
For example, some members of the F1 team are also testing and testing Lenovo's latest AI PCs to further improve the company's productivity, creativity and collaboration.
Our high-performance computing (HPC) and server solutions help the company create engaging, tailored content and ultimately improve the fan experience.
F1 uses Lenovo edge computing solutions to perform on-site data collection, improve data storage at events and create better, more engaging content for its fans.
The F1 broadcast team processes live feeds to make split-second decisions, and Lenovo technology provides the team with critical computing power to help them produce high-quality content quickly in two ways. First, powerful computer hardware solutions are used both for video applications such as graphics and editing and to support on-premises broadcast solutions. Second, high-performance server solutions are used for video broadcast applications and general broadcast command and control applications.

What specific Lenovo devices are used by Formula 1?
F1 employees have access to the best Lenovo has to offer, including laptops and desktop devices, monitors, tablets, Motorola smartphones and workstations – and they even test and test the latest AI PCs. These include the ThinkPad X1 Yoga, ThinkPad X1 Carbon, ThinkPad P14s, ThinkStation P360 Ultra, Lenovo Tab P11 and Motorola RAZR 40 ultra. F1 also uses services such as LenovoCare, Asset Recovery Services, CO2 Offset and our ThinkSystem servers.
This is truly an innovative idea, especially since Lenovo ARS helps offset costs. Has Lenovo developed or improved technology for this purpose, or was it more a case of adapting existing solutions?
Lenovo's Asset Recovery Service is available to all of our customers. It helps Formula 1 develop and implement a sustainable disposal strategy for technology hardware. By using ARS, F1 is able to offset some of the costs of updating technology and increase security through secure and reliable data destruction. Additionally, the initiative advances the organization's sustainability goals by recycling technology in more socially and environmentally responsible ways.
Can you explain a little more about how this partnership enables Lenovo to future-proof F1 technologies and experiences?
In the highly competitive world of motorsports, technology is playing an increasingly important role. Not only does it help companies achieve unparalleled performance on the track, but also better manage operations in dynamic and challenging environments – not to mention constantly evolving and improving the fan experience. Formula 1's partnership with Lenovo is vital to ensure the sport has access to the best and latest technology and to ensure Formula 1 is set for success.
* * *
Partnerships between sports and technology companies are becoming increasingly important in a world where more and more fans around the world are tuning in. With more at stake, technological innovations can help companies achieve their goals around sustainability, performance and improving the fan experience. “Technology is a key tool in achieving Formula 1’s goals as sustainable technology is at the forefront of their minds when looking for systems and solutions,” says Youngblood. “We believe in the importance of supporting motorsport as it innovates and transforms towards a more sustainable future.”
Learn more

Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.