The 2021 Formula 1 season has ended in a mess to say the least, which is why the FIA is now hoping technology can do something to prevent a repeat of last year’s situation. So now, as part of a series of changes to Formula One, a “Virtual Race Control Room” is being introduced, similar to the video-assisted referee you see in football championships. This “reserve referee” will be off-track and will use real-time communication with the race director to enforce the rules using “state-of-the-art technology tools”. It is important to note that the race director will also be disconnected from direct radio communication in order to reduce possible pressure.
Yes, of course, questions will still be allowed, but there will be a strict procedure for doing so. This important step comes shortly after the controversial conclusion of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December 2021. Lewis Hamilton led the race while five other lap drivers sat behind the safety car and prevented rival Max Verstappen from really challenging Hamilton’s position.
This, as it is not difficult to understand, is an extremely gross violation. That is why Michael Masi, race director, made the highly controversial decision to let these drivers “turn around” by overtaking the safety car, making it much easier for Max Verstappen to challenge Lewis Hamilton’s lead. With the help of fresh tyres, Max Verstappen eventually overtook Hamilton, who was using worn tyres, to win the race and in turn the Drivers’ Championship. Following the outcome of the event, Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes team filed an appeal against Michael Masi’s call for action, citing rules requiring all cars to be “unpacked” and racing to resume on the next lap, rather than immediately.
The team also claimed that Max Verstappen’s front wing briefly overtook Hamilton while he was behind the safety car. Race stewards dismissed the appeal. In any case, at the moment there is absolutely no guarantee that the virtual control room will improve the enforcement of the rules within F1. However, this and the use of video-assisted referees represent a shift in judging technique. Sports leagues are less and less content to rely solely on human judgment – technology doesn’t replace race directors or judges, but it can ensure that their actions remain under scrutiny.
