Autumn return for A2RL autonomous motor racing

The 2025 edition will take place on November 15, 2025 at Yas Marina Circuit with a $2.25m prize pool for the 10 competing teams to vie for, plus the launch of a global virtual racing series.

At the heart of the competition is the Dallara Super Formula SF23, a next-generation open-wheel race car that was autonomised for A2RL. First unveiled in the inaugural race, the SF23 is built from sustainable bio-composite materials, weighs 690kg, and is the fastest open-wheel race car in the world after Formula One.

“The EAV-24 was the first racecar of its kind,” said Joshua Roles, operations lead at A2RL. “We took a Super Formula SF23, capable of 300km/h, and converted it into a fully autonomous racecar.”

Roles explained in A2RL, hardware and basic software are provided to all teams equally, so the focus for them is on developing their software and driving algorithms.

“Can they develop AI that can simultaneously manage grip, set fast lap times, and also outsmart opponents on track?” said Roles. “It’s incredibly complex, and that’s why most teams come from leading technical universities or robotics labs; they’re developing world-class AI for one of the most unforgiving environments possible.”