McLaren extends Dell tech deal to power F1 data push
Dell Technologies and McLaren Racing have extended their partnership, keeping Dell as McLaren's Official Innovation and Technology Partner as the Formula 1 team continues to invest in data and computing for race operations and car development.
The renewed agreement covers McLaren's use of Dell servers, storage and PCs across its factory and trackside set-ups. It also includes Alienware systems for McLaren's esports and simulation activities, which the team links to driver training and race preparation.
McLaren has relied heavily on data analysis and simulation in recent seasons. The team won the Formula 1 Constructors' Championship in 2024 and 2025, and ran a Drivers' Championship campaign in 2025. The partnership with Dell began in 2018 and has continued through this period of resurgence.
Race weekend data
A key focus remains the computing infrastructure used to process large volumes of track and car data. Dell's AI infrastructure supports McLaren's race weekend operations, processing 1.5TB of data per race weekend. The data feeds analysis, simulations and decision-making during sessions.
McLaren says the set-up supports simulations and digital twin work used to prepare for different circuits and race scenarios, and ties into real-time strategy. It also enables the team to detect subtle changes in hydraulics and respond to track conditions during a weekend.
The hardware cited in the partnership includes PowerEdge servers and high-performance computing systems. McLaren also uses Dell storage- including PowerStore and PowerScale- for workloads such as modelling and computational fluid dynamics. This storage layer helps the team scale its data infrastructure as demands shift across a season, with peaks around race weekends and development milestones.
The arrangement reflects a broader shift in Formula 1 towards more intensive use of computing, modelling and simulation. Teams balance trackside decision-making with remote work at headquarters, while juggling development cycles alongside weekly travel and tight turnaround times between races.
Factory and track
Dell PCs are also part of the agreement, supporting McLaren staff in the factory, at circuits and remotely. The companies position these devices as a standard platform for collaboration and access to applications used in engineering and race operations.
McLaren says it uses AI PCs for complex engineering and strategy workflows. The team also links PCs to computer-based driving simulation systems used in its preparation. Simulation remains a core tool for modern teams as they try to reduce reliance on physical testing and work within regulations that constrain certain activities.
The partnership also extends beyond the Formula 1 garage. Alienware gaming systems support the McLaren F1 Sim Racing Team, which McLaren says strengthens its competitive presence in gaming and supports internal simulation and preparation.
Commercial context
Technology partnerships remain a significant part of Formula 1's commercial ecosystem. Teams use them to secure equipment and services, while partners use the sport's global audience to showcase products in high-pressure environments. Long-running relationships such as Dell and McLaren's also provide continuity for teams that standardise on tools across engineering, race operations and business functions.
The partnership also highlights the growing visibility of AI-focused branding in motorsport. Dell pointed to its "Dell AI Factory" as part of the infrastructure used by McLaren, alongside servers, storage and other systems supporting analytics and simulation workloads.
Zak Brown, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Racing, said the relationship is now embedded in day-to-day operations across the organisation.
"Our work with Dell Technologies has become a natural part of how we operate as a Formula 1 team," said Zak Brown, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Racing. "Their support strengthens the way we work across the organisation, helping us stay agile and competitive in a sport where every detail matters. Extending this relationship reflects the confidence we have in what we can achieve together."
Dell described the partnership as an example of technology in high-stakes environments, with lessons for other sectors.
"The relationship between Dell Technologies and McLaren Racing showcases what's possible when two organisations are dedicated to pushing boundaries," said Gerri Tunnell, Chief Marketing Officer, Dell Technologies. "Dell's solutions are a catalyst for human progress. With McLaren, we're demonstrating how the combination of powerful technology and human ingenuity can deliver real competitive advantages in high-stakes environments - an approach that inspires innovation across industries worldwide."
The two organisations said the relationship will continue to centre on computing infrastructure, data storage and end-user devices across McLaren's factory operations and trackside race execution.
