F1 set to introduce new rear-facing cameras amid fan experience upgrade
28/04/2024 19:31
The F1 Commission has approved the use of the new rear camera starting from the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix, scheduled to take place in Barcelona at the end of June. The camera will be integrated into the rear crash structure, requiring approval not only from the teams but also from the Federation, as it’s a critical area for safety.
Over the past week, there have been numerous surprising news stories in the world of Formula 1, including the possible departure of Adrian Newey from Red Bull, which somewhat overshadowed Thursday’s F1 Commission meeting.
During the meeting, no impactful decisions were made, but various topics were discussed, including future considerations, with discussions postponed, for example, on expanding the points zone to the twelfth position. Another aspect touched upon was the locations for pre-season testing in 2025, although a definitive agreement has not yet been reached.
Additionally, the F1 Commission has approved the use of a new rear camera, which will make its official debut during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend. While not entirely new, as Formula 1 had conducted experiments in recent months, including mounting it on the Safety Car, it represents a new perspective for Formula 1 cars. Until now, cars had a camera mounted in the upper part, above the airbox, which provided two views capturing both the front and rear of the car. However, the FOM is always seeking new solutions, and just as it mounted a camera along the nose of the cars, providing a lowered view, the idea is to repeat the experiment, but at the rear.
The new camera will be integrated into the rear crash structure, which serves to absorb impacts at the rear end of the car; more specifically, it will be positioned near the rear light used in rainy conditions or during battery charging. Thus, while the previous rear view included the engine cover and rear wing, the new angle will offer a clear and lowered view of the rear.
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Speaking to Motorsport.com earlier this year, F1’s Director of Broadcast and Media, Dean Locke, stated that the new angle should mirror some of the spectacular onboard views seen in other categories, such as Formula E, which has made lowered perspectives a strength in recent years. This will allow for close monitoring of any duels.
“Our rear camera mounted above the airbox is good, but it’s in the center of the car. So, we can’t achieve what we do in the Porsche Supercup, where we place a camera in the rear light and have two cars that are very, very close.”
Despite various tests conducted last season, positioning a camera in that location was far from simple: “The result was really fantastic, and we liked it a lot, but it’s very complicated. It’s four meters, and on that kind of cable, you can have a lot of interference and things like that. So, we’ve worked to solve some problems.”
Having overcome technical challenges, the final hurdle was to obtain approval from both the teams, who will need to mount it on their respective cars, and the FIA, as the camera is in a critical safety area. After discussions with the Federation, the F1 Commission has given the green light, approving its use starting from the next Spanish Grand Prix.
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