Authored by Richard Wong , Associate Partner & Global Head of Security Advisory at Frost & Sullivan Asia Pacific
Recently, I had the privilege of experiencing something truly remarkable. Thanks to an exclusive invitation from Lenovo, I went behind the scenes of Formula 1’s Event Technical Centre (ETC) at the Singapore Grand Prix.
As an analyst at Frost & Sullivan, I spend much of my time discussing high-performance computing, data centres, and infrastructure strategies. But witnessing these concepts come to life in the midst of a race weekend—with engines roaring in the background and pit crews operating with flawless precision—was an entirely different experience.
This was no ordinary track tour. It offered a rare glimpse into the technological backbone that keeps Formula 1 running—both here in Singapore and at its Media & Technology Centre in the UK. And the driving force behind it all? Lenovo.
Lenovo x Formula 1: A Partnership in the Fast Lane
If you have ever watched a Formula 1 race, you have likely seen Lenovo’s logo around the circuit. Yet, the company’s role extends far beyond brand visibility. As the official Global Technology Partner of Formula 1, Lenovo provides the computing power, connectivity, and devices that enable the sport’s global operations to function seamlessly.
Every race weekend, Formula 1 effectively relocates the equivalent of a fully operational data centre from one city to another—in less than 48 hours. Lenovo’s advanced technologies make it possible to capture, process, and distribute terabytes of data from cars, sensors, and cameras to teams, broadcasters, and fans in real time.
This integration connects trackside operations in Singapore with headquarters in the UK, ensuring a unified, uninterrupted experience for millions of fans worldwide. It is an extraordinary demonstration of precision logistics and technological ballet working in concert.
Where Milliseconds and Microseconds Decide Glory
In Formula 1, every thousandth of a second carries significance. On the track, it can mean the difference between pole position and second place. Behind the scenes, the data infrastructure must operate with the same level of precision—where milliseconds in decision-making and microseconds in processing or transmission can define the entire race experience.
Within the ETC, Lenovo’s high-performance computing architecture captures vast volumes of telemetry data from hundreds of sensors on each car, integrates it with ultra-high-definition video streams, and transmits it globally with near-zero latency.
This is a sub-millisecond environment, where ultra-low latency and high resiliency are not optional—they are mission-critical. Standing there, I witnessed firsthand how edge computing, real-time collaboration, and robust network architecture converge to deliver flawless performance. It was the technological equivalent of a perfectly synchronized orchestra—executed at the speed of Formula 1.
Built for Resilience — No Room for “Try Again Later”
In most organisations, when something goes wrong, you troubleshoot and fix it. In Formula 1, that luxury doesn’t exist. There is no downtime, no second chances. Every system must be rock-solid, instantly recoverable, and relentlessly reliable.
The ETC functions as a mobile, mission-critical data centre, equipped with redundant power systems, hot-swap failovers, and real-time replication to the Media & Technology Centre in the UK. If an issue occurs trackside, operations can switch seamlessly to backup systems—often without anyone noticing. It’s a level of resilience most enterprises aspire to, but in Formula 1, it’s an absolute necessity every race weekend.
What impressed me most was seeing Lenovo’s technical team working hand in hand with Formula 1’s IT specialists. They don’t simply deliver hardware—they co-design, optimise, and fine-tune solutions to ensure flawless operation across continents and time zones. It’s a genuine partnership—one that unfolds behind the cameras yet keeps the show running flawlessly in front of millions of fans.
The Paddock Club: A Perfect Finish
To complete the experience, Lenovo offered us the opportunity to witness the race from the Formula 1 Paddock Club, the sport’s ultra-exclusive hospitality suite. It was my first time viewing a Grand Prix from this vantage point, and it was nothing short of extraordinary.
From the moment you step in, you’re surrounded by panoramic views of the pit lane and start-finish straight, world-class cuisine, impeccable service, and an atmosphere that seamlessly blends corporate sophistication with race-day adrenaline. It’s the kind of experience that deepens your appreciation for the sport—not only for its speed, but for the precision, coordination, and technological excellence that underpin it.
Final Thoughts
In my work with clients, I often discuss performance, latency, and resilience in theoretical terms. But this experience brought those concepts vividly to life.
Standing just metres from the pit lane and watching Lenovo’s technology keep Formula 1’s global operations perfectly synchronised was a powerful reminder of how innovation quietly drives excellence behind the scenes.
Lenovo isn’t just supporting Formula 1—it’s empowering it. Through cutting-edge infrastructure, ultra-low-latency systems, and unwavering technical precision, Lenovo enables the sport to deliver a seamless experience where milliseconds and microseconds truly make the difference.
And yes, between the behind-the-scenes technology tour and the Paddock Club hospitality, I left with a huge grin—and a deeper appreciation for what it takes to power the world’s fastest sport.
Connect with us to learn how we can support your transformation growth journey.
