F1 | AI racing cars outperform ex-F1 driver in dramatic Abu Dhabi challenge. AI-driven racing cars defeat former Formula 1 driver Daniil Kvyat.

F1 | AI-driven single-seaters beat a Formula 1 driver: what happened in Abu Dhabi

The AI-controlled single-seater cars managed to outperform a former Formula 1 driver, and the entire story unfolded during an extraordinary event at the Abu Dhabi circuit. Once again this year, the Yas Marina Circuit hosted the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League. During this event, real Grand Prix-style races take place with completely driverless cars, guided exclusively by advanced artificial intelligence systems. As happens every season, the iconic battle between human and machine was also held: one car driven by an experienced racing driver, and another operated solely by cutting-edge technology. The outcome of the 2025 edition was nothing short of remarkable.

The AI championship

The German team TUM dominated the weekend, successfully defending the title won in the previous season. The race was fiercely competitive from the very first laps, with the field constantly pushing the limits. According to the data collected, the cars maintained an average speed of around 250 km/h — an astonishing figure considering that there was no driver behind the wheel.

The award ceremony welcomed several high-ranking Emirati figures, further confirming the international prestige of an event often described as “science in its purest form.” The progress achieved in just 18 months is extraordinary: AI cars have gone from being minutes slower than human drivers to outperforming them by a few tenths in certain situations.

Artificial intelligence versus human

The person who took on these extraordinary autonomous machines was former Formula 1 driver Daniil Kvyat. While the Russian driver came out on top last year, things played out very differently this season. Under the chequered flag, Daniil Kvyat crossed the line in second place, around one and a half seconds behind, as reported by f1ingenerale.

“Thinking back to a couple of years ago, the differences are enormous,” Daniil Kvyat explained as he acknowledged defeat. “The progress has been impressive and it’s fantastic to be part of this journey. Sharing the track with an AI-controlled car is something truly unique, and it was fun to offer fans an exciting battle.”