FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has called a multi-million-pound investment in race management an important milestone in the evolution of the FIA Formula One World Championship. In a statement issued from Dubai on 29 October, ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix, he pointed to the recent official opening of the FIA’s new Remote Operations Centre (ROC) at Biggin Hill in the UK, built in close collaboration with Formula One Management (FOM).
“As the Championship grows globally, it is vital that we continue to invest in the people, technology and infrastructure that underpin world-class race operations,” said Ben Sulayem. “This state-of-the-art facility will strengthen our ability to support accurate, consistent and efficient decision-making, ensuring that our sport continues to operate at the highest possible standards.”
What the centre does
The ROC gives around-the-clock support to FIA Race Control and the Stewards during Grand Prix weekends for F1, F2 and F3. It is one of the four pillars of FIA Race Operations, working alongside Race Control, Systems Operations and the Stewards.
During a race weekend, ROC analysts process live data from more than 140 audio and video feeds, car positioning telemetry and team radio. They help Race Control assess possible infringements such as jump starts, incorrect grid positions, track limits violations, pit lane offences and stop-and-go penalties.
AI-assisted shape recognition, computer vision and automated tagging of radio messages help the team flag potential incidents. Post-event reviews at the centre will also help refine future rules and train future Race Control operators.
The facility sits within F1’s Biggin Hill campus and has been fully operational since the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix, with up to 16 staff working during race weekends.
Training the next officials
The centre also supports the FIA’s High Performance Programme for Officials (HPP), which since 2023 has given Stewards and Race Directors from around the world personalised training and a clear route to FIA World Championship level.
The opening ceremony was attended by Ben Sulayem, FOM President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, FIA Single-Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis, FIA Sporting Director Tim Malyon, ROC Team Leader Steve Porter and members of the ROC team.
“This is a powerful example of what we can achieve through collaboration,” said Ben Sulayem. “I would like to thank Stefano Domenicali and our partners at FOM for their continued support, alongside the dedicated FIA teams whose expertise and professionalism are fundamental to the success of our sport. Together, we are investing in a stronger, safer and fairer future for motor sport.”
Earlier this month, Ben Sulayem paid tribute to the motorsport volunteers and officials of the UAE and the Middle East and explained what is behind the return of V8 engines to Formula One.
FIA Remote Operations Centre: Details
- Where: F1’s Biggin Hill campus, UK
- Operational since: The 2026 Dutch Grand Prix
- Covers: F1, F2 and F3 Grand Prix weekends, in support of FIA Race Control and the Stewards
- Key figures: More than 140 audio and video feeds; up to 16 staff on race weekends
See also: Ben Sulayem on the region’s volunteers and officials, Ben Sulayem on the V8 return to Formula One, Ignite GP double victory.
Image: courtesy of the FIA via Total Communications (portrait: Jordan Peck / Getty Images)