The Extended Partnership Between Dell AI and McLaren Racing

In a sport as competitive as F1, driving skills cannot stand alone; the use of advanced technologies is a major driving force to keep these teams ahead. It is because of this need for innovation that McLaren F1 has recently announced the extension of their partnership with Dell Technologies. Since February 2018, McLaren and Dell have been working side-by-side, allowing McLaren to have access to Dell's cutting edge AI and other technological capabilities. Dell collaborates in many different areas with McLaren, from helping to design the cars themselves to allowing the drivers to make quick decisions during races.

Each weekend, Dell's AI Factory as well as their PowerEdge servers help manage as much as 1.5TB of information for McLaren, including statistics from aerodynamic and tire data. With the power of Dell's services, like their PowerStore and PowerScale, McLaren is able to take all of this information, process it, and apply it to help the team learn how to constantly improve at every competition. The leverage of Dell has taken McLaren to reach huge milestones, including participating in the championship of both the 2024 and 2025 Formula 1 Constructors' Championships.

Not only do many of Dell's virtual services help keep McLaren innovating, but McLaren also uses Dell's PCs across many different sectors. Team members rely on Dell PCs to work together fluidly at the factory, on the track, and behind the wheel. These advanced computer systems help all members of the team make informed decisions on how to improve. Off the track, these computers are also behind McLaren's driving simulations, which are meant to help drivers train and plan for their races. Additionally, on the virtual side of things, Dell's Alienware sub-brand works to power McLaren's F1 Sim Racing Team, with the rise of these types of E-Sports ever so prevalent.

McLaren and Dell are not the only duo who are working together to strengthen an F1 Team. Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 has collaborated with Microsoft to leverage their Azure AI and Cloud systems for 2026. Formula E (which is basically an electric version of F1), has been in partnership with Google Cloud for a few years now. Both these examples are proof as to how technology, and AI specifically, are helping to advance something as competitive and detailed-oriented as F1.

Chief Executive Officer at McLaren Racing, Zak Brown, stated that he firmly believes that the continued partnership with Dell allows McLaren to be flexible and that the collaboration is certain to create continued innovation for McLaren in the sport of F1. Gerri Tunnell, Chief Marketing Officer for Dell Technologies, is also proud at how Dell has become a role model for other companies looking to partner, since in this digital age the combination of human ideas with technological assistance is critical for innovation.