The 2021 Formula 1 season ended messily, to place it calmly, and the FIA is hoping know-how will forestall a repeat. As a part of a string of adjustments, Formula 1 is implementing a “Virtual Race Control Room” akin to the Video Assistance Referee (VAR) you see in soccer. The “backup” will sit exterior the circuit and use a real-time hyperlink with the race director to implement guidelines utilizing the “most modern technological tools.”
The race director will even be minimize off from direct radio communications to cut back strain. It will nonetheless be potential to ask questions, however there will likely be a strict process for this.
The transfer comes after a controversial finish to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December 2021. Lewis Hamilton was main the race, with 5 lapped drivers sitting behind the protection automotive and stopping rival Max Verstappen from realistically contesting Hamilton’s place. However, race director Michael Masi made the controversial resolution to let these trailing drivers “unlap” themselves by passing the protection automotive, giving Verstappen a a lot simpler time of difficult Hamilton’s lead. With the assistance of contemporary tires, Verstappen handed Hamilton (who was utilizing worn tires) to win the race and, in flip, the Driver’s Championship.
Hamilton’s Mercedes staff appealed Masi’s name by pointing to guidelines requiring all automobiles to unlap themselves, and for racing to renew the next lap, quite than instantly. The staff additionally claimed Verstappen’s entrance wing briefly handed Hamilton whereas behind the protection automotive. Race stewards rejected the enchantment.
There are not any ensures the digital management room will enhance F1 rule enforcement. This and VAR characterize a shift in officiating methods, nonetheless. Sports leagues seem much less and fewer content material to rely solely on human judgment — know-how is not changing race administrators or referees, however it would possibly guarantee their calls maintain up beneath scrutiny.
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