Formula 1 Reduced Mobile Datacentre Footprint
The racing organization has transitioned to a single-rack onsite system to streamline logistics and improve sustainability.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Data Centers
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Formula 1 has successfully condensed its Event Technical Centre (ETC) from three racks to a single mobile rack. This shift allows the organization to process telemetry data directly at the race track instead of relying on remote centers in the United Kingdom.
Why it matters
Reducing equipment size significantly lowers cargo weight, which improves sustainability efforts for the global racing circuit. The redesign ensures redundant and resilient hardware performance while simplifying international transport requirements.
The new Event Technical Centre features Lenovo ThinkSystem SR650 V3 servers and 512 processor cores across its virtualisation platform. The system handles 8TB of telemetry data per weekend, part of 650TB of total data processed during a race.
The players
Formula 1
This international organization manages the premier global motor racing championship.
Lenovo
This multinational technology corporation provides the servers and workstations powering the new mobile datacentre.
The details
Formula 1 now utilizes Lenovo ThinkSystem DE4000F all-flash storage arrays and ThinkStation P3 Ultra workstations to manage high-speed data at the circuit. By keeping telemetry processing on-site, the team has managed to reduce data latency for race operations compared to previous remote models.
Timeline
2020: Formula 1 began remote production and datacentre consolidation.
January 2025: Lenovo was named a global technology partner of Formula 1.
October 2026: The new single-rack configuration was utilized during the Singapore Grand Prix.
The Tech Race
The adoption of Lenovo ThinkSystem SR650 V3 servers marks a departure from the bulky, legacy infrastructure once required for high-performance trackside computing. This shift aligns with broader trends in edge computing where localized data processing replaces heavy reliance on centralized cloud hubs.
This technological update ensures more resilient data processing for the sport, resulting in lower latency for race-critical telemetry. Viewers and teams benefit from improved reliability without the logistical burden of transporting larger equipment arrays.
The takeaway
Formula 1 has demonstrated that consolidating high-performance hardware can reduce physical footprints without sacrificing processing power. Similar organizations can prioritize modular, high-density server solutions to balance complex data needs with corporate sustainability goals.
Further reading
Learn more about evolving infrastructure trends in the Data Centers section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Computer Weekly.
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