Formula 1 and Lenovo Trial AI-Powered ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition Laptop
On June 12, 2025, Formula 1 and Lenovo announced a successful trial of Lenovo’s AI-powered ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition laptop at the Event Technical Centre (ETC) during the FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN CHINESE GRAND PRIX 2025. This test demonstrated the practical benefits of intelligent computing to improve motorsport operations, especially in handling vast amounts of race data and boosting efficiency.
Part of an ongoing multi-year partnership focused on innovation and performance, the trial put Lenovo’s AI PC to work on-site, helping teams process data faster and collaborate more effectively under real race conditions.
AI-Enhanced Edge Computing in Motorsport
Roberto Dalla, Chief Technical and Engineering Officer of Formula 1, highlighted how the ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition integrates features like Smart Modes, Smart Share, and Smart Care to improve user experience and productivity. Powered by the Intel Lunar Lake Platform and equipped with Copilot+ AI features, the device offers high performance and energy efficiency—key factors as Formula 1 pursues a net zero carbon goal by 2030.
In Formula 1, where timing is critical, these technologies enable faster data processing, smoother team collaboration, and more effective communication. This leads to better management of international broadcasts and an enhanced experience for fans worldwide.
Dr. Tolga Kurtoglu, Lenovo’s Chief Technology Officer, emphasized the value of testing this AI PC in a high-pressure environment like an F1 Sprint weekend. The trial showed how AI-enabled hardware can streamline content creation, speed up storytelling, and bring fans closer to the action in real time.
The Role of the Event Technical Centre (ETC)
The ETC is a portable tech hub set up at each race, serving as the central node for gathering data and feeds that are sent back to the Media & Technology Centre in the UK. It supports critical services such as timing systems and telemetry, ensuring smooth race operations.
Lenovo technology—including laptops, tablets, workstations, monitors, servers, and Motorola smartphones—is deeply embedded within the ETC. The ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition’s new features help streamline communications, enhance remote collaboration, and accelerate data processing for faster insights and smarter decisions.
With all-day battery life and military-grade durability, Lenovo’s AI PC supports faster performance and longer-lasting operations. This reduces the hardware footprint required at each race, cutting down on transport emissions and onsite energy use.
Looking Ahead: Expanding AI Integration
Following the initial success in Shanghai, Formula 1 and Lenovo will continue testing AI PCs and new technologies throughout the 2025 season. While on-track performance remains the priority, the partnership aims to improve broadcast operations and make the fan experience more immersive and immediate.
Operations professionals interested in how AI and intelligent devices can improve data management and team collaboration will find this partnership a clear example of practical technology application in a fast-paced environment.
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