Formula E AI-Enhanced AR Broadcast Graphics

The Formula E World Championship marked a significant step forward in live sports broadcast technology with the debut of the Vizrt Arena augmented reality graphics engine at the Madrid Mundial event on March 21, 2026. Aurora and Whisper, serving as host broadcast partners, integrated real-time AR compositing into the live race feed, replacing the legacy Ncam sensor-based tracking system that had reached end-of-life.

The Vizrt Arena engine uses an AI-driven keying system that adapts dynamically to changing weather and lighting conditions — a critical capability for outdoor motorsport events. Its optical tracking system reduces camera calibration time to approximately two minutes per camera, a marked improvement over sensor-based setups. This speed of deployment has proven particularly valuable in Formula E's compressed event format.

A further advantage is support for remote operation: broadcast graphics can be managed from Aurora's London production center without requiring full on-site crews for every camera position. Technical services were provided by Gravity Media, with onboard camera work handled by Timeline TV and Domo Broadcast Systems.

The Madrid race featured AR visualizations of Formula E's Attack Mode mechanic, where drivers earn a temporary 50 kW power boost by crossing designated activation zones. The Gen3 Evo vehicles produce 350 kW total with all-wheel drive, and Attack Mode is typically activated twice per race for around eight minutes combined.

Quotes

“We've expanded that and have started getting more adventurous with the AR capabilities.”

“The speed it takes for the system to learn a camera is incredibly quick.”

“A major benefit to us is setup; the speed of deployment is a real asset.”

“It probably gives us a bit more flexibility in terms of where we can put the cameras.”