How Lenovo is using Formula 1 to test the future of AI
Lenovo is charting its own course towards a future defined by artificial intelligence and sustainability-- and the tech giant has chosen Formula 1 racetrack as its innovation ground.
The company's collaboration with Formula 1 is evolving into a critical technology partnership, underpinning the sport's increasingly complex data and AI demands.
Each race weekend involves the transfer of up to 500 terabytes of data between the racetrack and F1's UK-based Media and Technology Centre. This setup then supports the broadcasting channels, streaming platforms such as F1TV and Fancode live broadcasting, team decision-making, and technical operations.
On-site hardware, including AI-ready ThinkStation workstations and AIPCs, are tested under extreme racing conditions to ensure performance in high-vibration, dusty, and temperature-variable environments.
These systems are designed to support AI applications ranging from local inferencing to secure voice identification, enabling faster decision-making and reduced reliance on cloud-based computing. While the partnership reflects Lenovo's ambition to lead in
hybrid AI infrastructure
, it also highlights Formula 1's drive to modernise and decarbonise its operations ahead of its net-zero 2030 target.
So, is Lenovo building its own AI stack?
Not in the way some Big Tech giants are—but Lenovo is carving a unique space through its Hybrid AI Advantage, an end-to-end ecosystem that spans from hardware to inference-layer management.
'We ourselves are not investing in developing our LLM, but then we will be partnering with pretty much all the major LLM Developers and then we will have our own AI libraries which are more use cases, agent management platform, and services wrapper. So yes, to a certain extent we own our own solution, Sumir Bhatia, President of Lenovo's Asia Pacific Infrastructure Solutions Group, told ETAuto in an exclusive conversation.
This strategy enables Lenovo to offer modular, scalable solutions for businesses of all sizes. Enterprises can select from a library of models and solutions tailored to industry-specific use cases—like security operations, IT operations, or customer service—without needing to build or train models from scratch.
'Leveraging partners' infrastructure and using small language modules brings IT ops, security ops software together, which makes integration a lot easier,' added Bhatia.
Energy Efficiency at the Core
As AI models become increasingly complex, the demand for computational power—and consequently, energy consumption—has surged. Recognising this challenge, Lenovo has invested in innovative solutions to enhance energy efficiency in its AI infrastructure.
To align with F1's broader goals around operational efficiency and sustainability, Lenovo is considering deploying its Neptune liquid-cooling technology--which can reduce data centre power consumption by up to 40 per cent--at F1's UK hub.
The
Neptune liquid cooling system
, which utilises warm water to cool servers, eliminates the need for traditional chilled water systems. This approach not only reduces energy consumption but also allows for the repurposing of excess heat to warm buildings in colder climates, contributing to overall sustainability efforts.
Bhatia emphasised the significance of energy efficiency, stating, "You can save up to 40 per cent power by leveraging Neptune. It can bring up to almost 100 per cent efficiency in removing heat."
Clearly, Lenovo's AI strategy reflects a holistic approach that balances technological innovation with real-world applicability and sustainability. By investing in energy-efficient infrastructure, developing practical AI use cases, and forging global partnerships, the company is positioning itself as a key player in the evolving landscape of AI infrastructure
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
Spanish Grand Prix 2025 FP1 results: Lando Norris tops as last season's podium trio repeats with Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton
Image credit: Lando Norris/Instagram It was very hot and dry as the historical Spanish Grand Prix kicked off at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya with the first free practice race on Friday and proved that hardly anything has changed in the one year, with last season's podium winners being the top three finishers in FP1. There was just a slight change, with 2024 winner Max Verstappen switching places with the runner-up Lando Norris. Interestingly, Lewis Hamilton, who had won the third spot on the podium for Mercedes last year, finished third in FP1—but for Ferrari. Here are the Spanish Grand Prix FP1 results McLaren continues to be on top as Lando Norris, fresh from winning the Monaco Grand Prix last weekend, was the first to cross the finish line on Friday. Max Verstappen's Red Bull has clearly shown improvement on the track by finishing second after major pace and balance struggles in the initial races. And Lewis Hamilton's Friday performance brings a ray of hope for his fans still waiting for him to win his first race for Ferrari. Hamilton's Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc finished fourth, and McLaren's Oscar Piastri ended fifth in the practice race. A few new names were seen in the higher order in FP1 results, with Racing Bulls' Liam Lawson in sixth position and his teammate Isack Hadjar in eighth position. Haas driver Oliver Bearman was in seventh place, while Red Bull's Yuki Tsunoda was ninth. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Has Honda Done It Again? The New Honda CR-V is Finally Here. TheFactualist Undo On the other hand, Alpine's Pierre Gasly finished tenth, and Williams' Carlos Sainz was in fifteenth position. Sainz is now racing in front of his home crowd, and it remains to be seen if he bags a podium spot this weekend. Mercedes continues to struggle in higher temperatures since the last few races, and the hard time continued on the Spanish soil too, as it was over 30 degrees Celsius while the track temperature was over 40 degrees Celsius. George Russell finished eleventh in FP1, and Kimi Antonelli finished eighteenth. Also Read: Spanish Grand Prix 2025: Schedule, timings and where to watch the Formula 1 race Aston Martin's struggles also continue in Spain as Fernando Alonso is now racing in front of the home crowd. He was in thirteenth place. The day would end after one more free practice race, but the first one has been enough to give an idea of what's to come in the Formula 1 Round 9 Qualifying race on Saturday and the final race on Sunday.
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
Will you get a refund for Trump tariffs after federal court's ruling? Check details
What did the US court of International trade say? Live Events What happens now? Tariff refunds and Trump team's response (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel US President Donald Trump on Thursday received temporary approval to continue collecting tariffs under emergency powers, just a day after a separate court ruled that he had exceeded his authority by imposing sweeping levies on foreign imports. The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit allowed the April 2 tariffs to remain in place while the White House appeals the trade court's decision. The New York-based court said the US Constitution gave Congress exclusive powers to regulate commerce with other nations, and that this was not superseded by the president's remit to safeguard the businesses and a group of states had challenged the tariffs that have shaken up the world economic order. Now that two federal courts have ruled that President Trump had overstepped his authority in ordering the tariffs, many have been asking one question: Will they get that money back?On Wednesday, a three-judge panel at the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) did not grant the president authority to impose his sweeping tariffs or bypass Congress' typical control over economic policy and commerce. The 1977 law was cited by Trump as justification for the majority of his tariffs, most notably those unveiled on "Liberation Day" in early April."The court does not read IEEPA to confer such unbounded authority and sets aside the challenged tariffs imposed thereunder," the ruling read. The decision, made after multiple lawsuits accusing the president of overstepping authority on trade matters, addresses the paused 'reciprocal' tariffs as well as the 10 percent baseline tariff applied worldwide. Additionally, the ruling stops the 'trafficking' tariffs that were imposed on China, Canada, and Mexico in response to the public health crisis linked to fentanyl and other illegal drugs entering the the ruling does not concern the tariffs on autos, auto parts, steel or aluminum, which were brought under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. It allows the president to limit imports of specific goods if these are considered a threat to national security."This will do tremendous damage to Trump's agenda. His whole second term seemed to be DOGE, deport, and (trade) deals," Todd Tucker, trade expert with the New York-based Roosevelt Institute think tank, posted to BlueSky on Thursday. "On trade, in particular, why would any country waste time negotiating to lower his tariffs if he can't impose them in the first place?"The administration has already appealed to the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, describing the CIT's ruling as a 'judicial coup.' Meanwhile, economists have highlighted alternative options for the president to pursue his trade agenda despite the court's the ruling is upheld, the administration may be required to refund billions of dollars in import duties that have already been collected. According to the Kobeissi Letter, approximately $10 billion in tariff revenue has been gathered since April 2, though an analysis by Newsweek using official Treasury Department data suggests the amount could be significantly Reinsch, former under secretary of commerce for export administration under the Clinton administration and president of the National Foreign Trade Council from 2001 to 2016, told Newsweek, 'I believe the court's order should prompt CBP to suspend the liquidation of entries moving forward. This would mean that if the ruling is ultimately upheld, importers could reclaim their payments.'Reinsch told Newsweek that, for goods already processed by customs authorities, importers may also be able to sue the administration."The CIT decision ruling the tariffs illegal and vacating them gives importers good grounds to do that," he said, "but the administration will probably resist."The Trump administration has acknowledged its responsibility to issue refunds for certain tariff charges if those duties are later reduced or rescinded. In late April, following a decision that some tariffs should not be cumulative or 'stacked,' Trump signed an executive order stating that the change would apply retroactively to specific tariffs. Refunds for those who had paid increased import taxes would be issued in accordance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) procedures and applicable stance was also reflected in the administration's announcements regarding exemptions to the reciprocal tariffs. The CBP has since issued guidance outlining how importers can request refunds for duties paid on products that later became exempt or subject to lower tariffs. While importers—usually U.S. companies, though sometimes foreign exporters contractually responsible for duties—may qualify for refunds, William Reinsch told Newsweek that consumers are unlikely to benefit from the Court of International Trade's (CIT) ruling, even if they paid higher prices on imported goods in recent months.'The importers who paid the tariffs might be reimbursed, but they're not required to pass those savings on to consumers—although some might do so voluntarily,' Reinsch said. He added that he was skeptical any consumer-led lawsuits for damages would be successful.
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
South Africa's SPAR plans to sell Swiss and UK retail businesses
HighlightsSouth Africa's SPAR Group is planning to sell its retail businesses in Switzerland and the United Kingdom after a strategic review of its European operations. The group is currently in exclusive talks with an unnamed established UK-based business regarding the sale of its UK operation, Appleby Westward Group. SPAR's Swiss business, which operates 300 stores, contributes approximately 16 billion rand ($899 million) to the group's turnover, while the South West England unit contributes around 6 billion rand. South Africa's SPAR Group plans to sell its retail businesses in Switzerland and in the United Kingdom after completing a strategic review of its European operations , the retail and wholesale group said on Thursday. The group, which owns several SPAR country licences of the Dutch SPAR group, has been trimming its international operations in order to "maximize the return on capital allocated". Last year it sold its loss-making Polish business. The group said it was in exclusive talks with an established UK-based business over the sale of its UK operation Appleby Westward Group . The potential buyer, which SPAR did not name, was "well positioned to develop and grow AWG in South West England," it said. In Switzerland, SPAR has been engaging established parties with extensive business interests in the region and experience in European food retail and distribution , it added. "The group approach has been to engage parties whose interests align with the growth ambitions of the local management teams and retailer partners, and will ensure continuity for employees, suppliers and customers," SPAR said. The Swiss business, with 300 stores, contributes 16 billion rand ($899 million) to group turnover, while the South West England unit contributes 6 billion rand. Internationally, SPAR will be left with Ireland , its biggest overseas business, and a joint venture in Sri Lanka .
