Abu dhabi: Yas Marina Circuit has completed a multi-million-dirham upgrade to its race control room ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, reinforcing its position as one of the most advanced circuits in global motorsport. The facility serves as the operational hub during every session of the Grand Prix and has been fully redesigned to enhance decision-making speed, safety oversight, and comfort for the 28 officials working long shifts across race weekends.
According to Emirates News Agency, Ali Al Beshr, General Manager of Yas Marina Circuit at Ethara, said the upgrade reflects the circuit's ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence. Al Beshr emphasized that as host of the F1 season finale, Yas Marina Circuit is the stage for defining moments in the sport. The upgrade ensures that the team can manage operations with maximum precision and confidence, maintaining a world-class racing experience.
At the core of the upgrade is a new digital infrastructure enabling operators to instantly route any of 55 camera feeds, timing systems, race logs, or broadcast streams to their workstations via tablet control. This setup eliminates the need for additional technical equipment and allows visiting championships to integrate directly with the circuit's systems without shipping their own hardware, reducing both setup time and cost.
The facility also benefits from improved ergonomics and visual comfort. A tiered, theatre-style layout provides clear sightlines, while dimmable LED lighting and darker wall tones reduce glare. Custom-built desks with embedded communication panels and wireless charging ensure a clutter-free environment that supports clarity and focus during high-pressure operations.
Stuart Latham, Yas Marina Circuit Safety and Operations Director, stated that the facility surpasses international standards. He noted that they have exceeded FIA requirements, with every element of the room designed to enhance precision, efficiency, and collaboration. It is considered one of the most technologically advanced race control centres in the world.
The new control room made its operational debut during the first round of the Yas Racing Series from 31st October to 2nd November and will oversee the upcoming 2025/2026 motorsport season. This includes events such as the Autonomous Racing Series, Lenovo Gulf 12 Hours, Asian Le Mans Series, Formula 4 Middle East, and Formula Regional Middle East.
The 2025 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is scheduled to take place at Yas Marina Circuit from 5th to 7th December.