From Selection to Qualification: The Road to A2RL Drones Season 2
Season 2 of the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) Drones is already shaping up to be a defining chapter in the evolution of autonomous drone flight. After a successful launch in April 2025, the journey now moves into the crucial selection, testing, and qualification phases that will determine who makes it to the main stage in January 2026.
The Selection Journey
This season began with two rounds of virtual selection challenges, designed to test algorithmic capability and innovation under pressure. Out of dozens of applicants, eight new teams have advanced past the first hurdle and are now preparing for the second virtual selection on 20 September.
Those who pass will earn the right to join the returning Season 1 veterans in Abu Dhabi for the third selection phase. Here, the competition becomes real: teams must take control of the official A2RL drone design and demonstrate the essentials — successfully navigating through gates and executing stable landings. It’s the first hands-on proof of which “AI pilots” can truly handle the rigors of autonomous aerial racing.
November: The Intensity of Qualification
In November, the stakes rise. Over the course of three intense weeks, teams will be testing some of the A2RL Drones race formats:
- AI Grand Challenge: Where advanced decision-making defines who leads.
- Multi-Drone Racing: Testing swarm-level awareness and competitive strategy.
To qualify, teams must complete full-track runs and demonstrate consistent lap performance across all formats. Season 2 isn’t just about raw speed — it’s about intelligent navigation under pressure.
The Road to January 2026
By the end of November, only the best-performing teams will move forward to the A2RL Drones Season 2 Finale scheduled for 21–22 January 2026 at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi.
With agility-focused challenges, advanced race formats, and a global field of competitors, Season 2 is set to push the boundaries of what autonomous drones — and their creators — can achieve.
Written by Francesco Maria Blasi
