The 2021 Formula 1 season ended in a difficult way, to put it mildly, so the FIA hopes that the technology will prevent a repeat. As part of a series of changes, Formula 1 is implementing a “virtual race control room”, similar to the Video Assistance Referee (VAR) what you see in football The “reinforcement” will be located outside the circuit and will use a real-time video system with the race director to enforce the rules using the “state of the art technological tools”.
The race director will also be cut off from direct radio communications to reduce pressure.. It will still be possible to ask questions, but there will be a strict procedure for doing so.
Measure comes after the controversial finish of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December 2021. Lewis Hamilton was leading the race, with five drivers lapped tightly behind the safety car and preventing rival Max Verstappen from realistically challenging for Hamilton’s position.
However, the race director, Michael Masi, made the controversial decision to let the drivers behind him get away past the safety car, which made it easier for Verstappen to challenge Hamilton for the lead. With the help of fresh tyres, Verstappen passed Hamilton (who was using worn tyres) to win the race and, in turn, the Drivers’ Championship.