How Lenovo is helping to evolve F1 An interview with Lara Rodini, Global Sponsorships & Activation Director
The F1 is a constant technological evolution. On track as well as off track. In this second dimension Lenovo’s work comes into play. The technology company has become a Global Partner of F1, becoming a pillar for the federation’s activities during race weekends. To discover some secrets of this partnership we interviewed Lara Rodini, Global Sponsorships & Activation Director at Lenovo.
Lenovo became a Global Partner of Formula 1 starting in 2025. What are the main objectives of this partnership and how does it fit into the company’s global strategy?
"Our partnership with Formula 1 is in constant growth. Based on the successful collaboration of the last three years, the elevation to Global Partner represents a true testament to the value of this mutually beneficial relationship. Together we share a passion for precision, performance and the desire to push beyond limits both inside and outside the track, with a commitment to build a faster, smarter and more sustainable motorsport. Lenovo’s technology, solutions and services support Formula 1 operations 360 degrees, helping to deliver the highest level of competition and entertainment to over 820 million fans worldwide. The partnership also represents a powerful platform for Lenovo’s global strategy. It allows us to connect with a technology-passionate audience, inspire innovation and showcase the transformative impact of our offerings. By powering the most data-rich sport in the world, we demonstrate to businesses and consumers globally what is possible when the most advanced technology drives progress".
How does Lenovo concretely contribute to Formula 1’s technical operations, both on track and remotely, through devices, solutions and advanced services?
"At the heart of Formula 1 operations there are two fundamental hubs: the Event Technical Centre (ETC) at the track and the Media & Technology Centre (M&TC) in Biggin Hill, United Kingdom. Together they form the backbone of Formula 1’s global broadcasts and data infrastructure – and Lenovo technology powers both. Each race weekend about 600 terabytes of data are transferred between the circuit and Biggin Hill, all processed by our products in real time to ensure uninterrupted broadcasts worldwide. Lenovo devices are used by over 600 Formula 1 employees, supporting every aspect of race operations and beyond. From executives and engineers to creative and production teams, our laptops, desktops, monitors and Motorola smartphones provide the performance and reliability needed in the most demanding environments. Our powerful workstations, High Performance Computing solutions and servers support the most challenging activities – from graphic content creation to editing and live broadcasting – bringing fans closer to the action wherever they are. And with our consulting and sustainability services we help to project the sport into the future. This end-to-end support ensures that Formula 1 operations never miss a beat, guaranteeing maximum efficiency, in any part of the world where the race takes place".
Lenovo recently tested the ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition, an AI laptop, during the Chinese Grand Prix. What results emerged and how can AI improve F1 and sport in general?
"The X9 test proved revolutionary. During the Chinese Grand Prix, Formula 1 trialed Lenovo’s latest AI PC, the ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition, running a MATLAB model on sports data. The results were remarkable: it provided insights to F1’s production and commentary teams at a speed more than 30% faster than a non-AI PC. But this is only the beginning. Formula 1 is exploring additional use cases for AI PCs to accelerate data processing, simplify creative workflows and enhance collaboration among global teams. Ultimately, AI PCs have the power to make Formula 1 faster on and off the track: delivering higher-quality content, enriching storytelling and creating a more immersive experience for over 820 million fans worldwide, setting a model for how AI can transform other sports as well".
Looking to the future, which specific projects or initiatives is Lenovo developing in collaboration with Formula 1 to further push the boundaries of technological innovation in motorsport?
"Our goal with Formula 1 is to continue building a technology platform as fast and agile as the sport itself. We have already experimented with our AI Fast Start service, exploring how AI-enhanced hardware can help improve live streaming by automatically detecting and correcting low-quality frames. This proof-of-concept gives Formula 1 the ability to massively scale its content production in the future, providing more — and better — content to fans around the world. It is a tangible example of how innovation can directly improve the fan experience. Looking ahead, we will continue to explore innovative technologies such as augmented and virtual reality, AI-ready hardware, and solutions and services that support Formula 1’s sustainability goals, to help create a faster, smarter and more sustainable motorsport. And of course, there are other innovations on the horizon that we cannot reveal yet!".
How does Lenovo intend to use its Formula 1 experience to positively influence other sectors?
"One of the most significant aspects of our partnership with Formula 1 is that the same products, solutions and services used in this critical context are available to everyone, from large enterprises to private consumers. By testing our devices and infrastructures during a race weekend — where milliseconds make the difference and there is no margin for error — we gain a unique perspective on how to make them even more reliable, powerful and efficient. This challenging proving ground allows us to constantly refine and improve our portfolio, ensuring that the technology we offer to businesses, creatives and everyday users worldwide is tested under the most extreme conditions. In short, what works on the track helps raise the standard of technology everywhere".
Finally, how would you describe Lenovo’s role as a strategic partner of Formula 1 and what impact has this collaboration had on the company?
"Lenovo is a trusted partner of Formula 1. Our role is to ensure that Formula 1 operations run smoothly across 24 races, on five continents, in every possible condition. From supporting the ETC at the track and the Media & Technology Centre at Biggin Hill, to putting AI-ready devices in the hands of Formula 1 employees, we are deeply committed to improving the sport’s connectivity, productivity and innovation. For Lenovo, this partnership represents a powerful platform. It allows us to showcase our technology on a global stage under maximum pressure, demonstrate our capabilities to over 820 million fans worldwide and strengthen our position as a leader in digital transformation. It also inspires our internal teams, confirming the ability of our solutions to support the most technologically advanced sport in the world".
