Yas Marina Circuit has unveiled a fully upgraded race control room, following a multi-million-dirham investment made in preparation for the 2025 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Serving as the nerve center of the venue during practice sessions, qualifying, and the main race, the control room is where officials manage every aspect of circuit operations—from starting lights to safety oversight—ensuring smooth execution and the highest safety standards for drivers, teams, and spectators alike.
The 2025 transformation has turned the facility into one of the most advanced race control centers in global motorsport
Reaffirming Yas Marina Circuit’s position as one of the world’s leading Formula 1 venues in terms of innovation and technology.
“As the host of the F1 season finale, Yas Marina Circuit sets the stage for unforgettable moments—championship deciders, farewells, and milestones,” said Ali Al Beshr, General Manager of Yas Marina Circuit at Ethara. “That legacy drives us to continually evolve our infrastructure. The upgraded control room empowers our officials with the technology and environment needed to make fast, confident decisions, allowing the racing spectacle to truly shine.”
Smart performance
At the core of the upgrade is a network of intelligent systems designed to enhance speed, flexibility, and long-term efficiency.
With a simple tablet interface, operators can instantly display any of the 55 circuit camera feeds, timing systems, race logs, tracking data, or live broadcasts on any workstation screen—without extra equipment or technical intervention.
This adaptability makes Yas Marina Circuit more accessible for international championships like Formula 1, eliminating the need for visiting teams to ship additional hardware and reducing setup time, cost, and logistical complexity.
Beneath the surface, the infrastructure has also been revamped with new underfloor cabling, hidden access panels, and integrated audio systems—creating a streamlined, efficient workspace that simplifies event transitions.
Human-centered design
During the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, a 28-member team operates from the control room, some for shifts extending up to 12 hours. From monitoring every inch of the track to coordinating with team leaders and marshals, they handle massive volumes of data in real time. The new design prioritizes their well-being, focus, and comfort throughout demanding race weekends.
The theatre-style, tiered layout provides every operator with a clear line of sight to the main displays. A dark interior color scheme and adjustable LED lighting reduce glare and eye strain, ensuring an immersive and focused atmosphere.
Custom-built ergonomic workstations enhance comfort and efficiency, featuring integrated communication panels, connectivity options, and wireless charging. By minimizing visual clutter and maintaining clear sightlines, the setup supports precision and collaboration—critical when monitoring cars racing at over 300 km/h.
“The new Yas Marina Circuit control room represents years of dedicated work,” said Stuart Latham, Circuit Safety & Operations Director. “We didn’t just meet FIA standards—we went beyond them. Every element is purpose-built for elite motorsport, making it one of the most technologically advanced race control facilities anywhere in the world.”
The upgraded control room officially went live during the opening round of the Yas Racing Series from October 31 to November 2. It will continue to manage a packed 2025/26 racing calendar, including the Autonomous Racing Series, Lenovo Gulf 12 Hours, Asian Le Mans Series, Formula 4 Middle East, and Formula Regional Middle East, among others.
Verstappen and Norris Shine at the U.S. Grand Prix | GearsME
