Info Wing: the new innovation in Formula 1?

In its effort to improve the spectacle and the quality of its broadcast, the FIA has agreed to test a proposal made by Lewis Hamilton’s father, Anthony, regarding a system that would allow the real-time visualization of the cars’ positions during the race.

It is said to be a mini-winglet with an onboard camera type, mounted on the safety roll hoop, which would transmit the driver’s position thanks to an LED system, as can already be seen in some endurance championships races. This innovation is expected to be tested by Force India during the post-season tests that will take place in Abu Dhabi next week.

According to Anthony Hamilton, this test should help to assess the viability of this idea, which could still be hindered by some malfunctions, particularly during daytime races when the LEDs might be barely visible: One of the main problems when watching a race is knowing each person’s position without having to take your eyes off the action to find and locate the information on a handheld device or on one of the circuit monitors, said Hamilton, alluding to spectators who may have a paid electronic device available during Grand Prix weekends to precisely follow the action.

« At the moment you found the information, the car passed by and you missed the action ». he continues.

But it is primarily with the aim of attracting even more audiences and satisfying those already present that this initiative, currently called Info Wing, might be launched: « I believe that the Info Wing has the potential to have a huge impact on the viewing of races and tests, making them more enjoyable and informative. Hopefully, this will attract new fans to the sport and retain existing ones. »