F1 track to test stunning new driver format

The Yas Marina Circuit, home to the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix, is set to host a test for driverless cars ahead of an inaugural race early next year.

For those who argue that the car makes all the difference, not the driver – you're in luck.

That's because this season's curtain-closer, the Yas Marina Circuit, will play host to a series of tests from race cars that are controlled by software algorithms instead of humans.

READ MORE: Verstappen reveals Horner ‘pushed’ F1 star ahead of iconic 2023 moment

The cockpits will be empty as the driverless Dallara Super Formula SF23 cars hurtle round the track at speeds of up to 300km/h.

These tests are taking place ahead of the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League's debut in April 2024, boasting a prize fund of $2.25 million.

Driverless cars to hit F1 track

Although 10 teams, each with one car only, are set to take part, the technology at hand still has some serious limitations when it comes to wheel-to-wheel racing.

"We know that two [driverless] cars can race well on a track together, what we’ll be pushing to see is can you achieve an outcome where three or four cars are racing competitively against each other?" Dr Tom McCarthy, executive director of operating company ASPIRE, told Reuters.

"We’re at the frontiers of science on this one. If we got to a point that 10 cars are racing [together] within the next five years I think that would be a huge achievement.

"We see ourselves on a development path, we see a time in the future where you’ll have as many cars lining up on the grid for an autonomous race as a Formula 1 race, but that’s not going to happen today or tomorrow."

READ MORE: Hamilton issues Red Bull warning with exciting Mercedes 2024 F1 car update

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Red Bull and Honda F1 partnership kept alive thanks to odd contract clause

• Yesterday 19:52

Fernando Alonso announces plans to become Max Verstappen's team-mate for iconic race

• June 21, 2026 09:58

Max Verstappen's F1 boss accepts tough Red Bull reality ahead of Austrian Grand Prix

• June 21, 2026 08:56

F1 News Today: Max Verstappen ‘causes Red Bull split’ as three drivers fight for seat

• June 20, 2026 17:10

Red Bull split in bid to block Max Verstappen F1 exit clause

• June 20, 2026 09:57

F1 insider claims Max Verstappen exit clause now 'impossible' for Red Bull to block

• June 19, 2026 19:55