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The United Arab Emirates has made motorsport history with the debut of the world’s first AI-driven Formula One car, capable of racing entirely without a human driver.
Developed by the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) in Abu Dhabi, the EAV-25 is an AI-powered racing car valued at $25 million. The innovation marks a major milestone for both artificial intelligence and high-speed automotive engineering.
The EAV-25 combines cutting-edge design with advanced engineering. Its aerodynamic structure, inspired by a hammerhead shark, features a distinctive T-shaped nose. While a standard Formula One car costs between $12 million and $15 million, the EAV-25’s high-end components such as a $50,000 steering wheel and wings worth up to $500,000 reflect its technological sophistication.
Despite its futuristic capabilities, the AI-driven car runs on petrol and uses next-generation sensors, mobility stacks, and edge computing systems. Onboard AI processes real-time data and makes instantaneous decisions to optimize racing performance.
No Driver Needed
Unlike traditional F1 vehicles, the EAV-25 has no cockpit. The car’s AI system is trained on data from legendary drivers like Lewis Hamilton, learning optimal racing strategies, speed control, and overtaking maneuvers. Sultan Al Ali, vice president of Group 63, said the vehicle performs a million calculations per second to identify the fastest path around the track and respond to high-speed challenges.
Khalid Al Mulla, president of the Mercedes-Benz AMG Club Group 63, stated that the EAV-25 can reach speeds of up to 370 km/h, surpassing several conventional F1 models. The multi-million-dollar development underscores the UAE’s leadership in autonomous racing and AI innovation.
The EAV-25 is currently showcased at the Evolve Future Mobility Show in Sharjah. On November 15, 22 AI-powered race cars will compete in the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League at Yas Marina Circuit, featuring a $2.25 million prize pool and drawing thousands of spectators.
Yas Marina Circuit, a major venue on the Formula One calendar since 2009, continues to highlight the UAE’s global motorsport influence. It also featured in the filming of F1: The Movie, further enhancing Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a center for innovation and racing excellence.
