In the first Autonomous Racing League race, the struggle was real

Screenshot: Wes Davis / The Verge

The first race of the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) took place on the Yas Marina Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Formula 1 track today, and I’m pleased to report that a race both began and ended. But the event was not without strife — far from it. During qualifying time trials, the driverless Dallara Super Formula racers outfitted with cameras and software seemed to struggle mightily to complete a full lap.

During the trials, cars randomly juked:

Image: A2RL

Or spun:

Image: A2RL

Or turned into walls:

Image: A2RL

Or just pulled off the track to take a little break:

Image: A2RL

You get well-acquainted with the interstitial music during these highlights….

Continue reading…