Selim Kuzu on the parallels between motorsport and data center construction.
An interview with Selim Kuzu, Board Member of Serban DC, by Theresa Schönberger
Today I am speaking with you as the new sponsor of the Proton Competition Porsche Racing Teams. What motivated you to get involved with this team?
Motorsports, especially the Porsche Cup, hold a very special position in Europe. The races are true mega-events that attract fans from all over the world. Unlike Formula 1, where the vehicles are highly individualized, all teams here drive a Porsche. The cars all have the same engines and transmissions. It is the perfect balance of technical precision, teamwork, and the driver's skill that makes these races so fascinating and ultimately decides the outcome. That is why we identify with this team and are involved in the Porsche Cup and Mobil 1 Supercup.
So this is about more than just speed?
Exactly. It is a symbiosis of different capabilities: mental strength, skill, technology, and relentless commitment. Behind it are often years of work, meticulous planning, and attention to detail. The engineering performance, the fine-tuning of aerodynamics, the precise body construction — all of this is the result of a professional team working together with the driver to make the difference.
What does motorsport have to do with your business — planning and building data centers?
More than one might assume at first glance. Both in motorsports and in the planning and construction of modern data centers, it is all about meticulous planning, precision, teamwork, and absolute reliability. In motorsports, milliseconds often determine success or defeat — and in data centers, even the smallest deviations can have enormous consequences. The best and most experienced people work together in both teams.
In your opinion, are the teams and engineers decisive, or the driver's abilities?
Both sides require the highest level of engineering expertise, technical know-how, endurance, and above all, perfect coordination between many different disciplines. During a race, you only see the final result on the track. What happens behind the scenes often remains invisible: countless tests, work on aerodynamics, bodywork, engine systems, electronics, or software. The team is essentially the backbone. The engineers create the foundation, the technology, and the data analysis, and then the driver contributes their talent. It is truly a collaboration. Without the team, the driver has little chance, but without the driver, even the best car is useless.
This exact interplay can also be found in the planning and construction of data centers. Numerous experts and technology suppliers must work closely together — from electrical engineering and cooling systems to security systems and intelligent control technologies. Everything works toward one common goal: maximum performance, stability, and efficiency. This can only be achieved through teamwork.
You mentioned this morning: "Both worlds stand for innovation, precision, and teamwork at the highest level." But that surely is not the only reason for your involvement, right?
Of course, personal passion also plays a role. Motorsport has always been my hobby. I have been working on cars since childhood. The Porsche Carrera Cup, however, is something very special — especially here in Germany, where Porsche and motorsports have a long tradition and strong emotional significance. The cars are extremely powerful, yet still close to production models, ensuring that every driver starts under very similar conditions. This means it is primarily about the talent of the drivers.
Is it the same in your industry? Are project managers decisive?
A great deal of work goes into the vehicles. They are built under very strict regulations. That means all cars are configured almost identically, but there are countless details that are constantly optimized: aerodynamics, tires, suspension, software updates — everything must be perfectly coordinated.
It is exactly the same in a data center project. The requirements from a client are the same for all EPC contractors: achieve the maximum MW capacity, build as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. Target values, components, and systems must all be perfectly aligned to achieve top performance.
However, the results vary greatly. Project management is naturally very important. But regardless of individual people, pricing, or project management, we are the only company in Europe that offers all systems from a single source with our own teams and component manufacturers. This unique setup alone ensures that a single manager cannot make too many mistakes, and it allows us to complete projects nearly 12 months earlier than anyone else.
Doesn't the result always matter most? Years of work are often worth nothing if you don't win.
Yes, that captures it perfectly. In the end, you only see the race, the speed, the excitement — but behind it are months or even years of planning, experience, and optimization. This invisible work becomes the decisive factor for success. Without people working together seamlessly and extremely closely, "winning" is simply not possible.
Are many women interested in the Porsche Cup or motorsports?
Absolutely. Motorsport attracts far more women today than many people might think. There are female drivers, team principals, and engineers — and interest continues to grow. It is no longer purely a male domain. My daughters are also big fans. It is wonderful when enthusiasm for motorsports can be shared within the family.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
The international events and meeting our partners at the racetracks to exchange ideas. I am also very excited about the young talents now entering the competition. There is a lot of potential there.
I wish you and your team every success — we will see each other in Monaco at the latest.