Formula 1 will introduce a fresh initiative during the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa, aimed at improving how fans recognize drivers on track. This new measure will involve testing a revised car branding system specifically designed to make driver identification quicker and easier for viewers, both at the circuit and on television broadcasts
.Traditionally, F1 teams are required to display the driver’s race number and name prominently on the car, alongside fitting one of their cars with a yellow T-camera for distinction. However, the existing system has faced criticism as the names and numbers are sometimes difficult to spot due to car liveries and color schemes. To tackle this issue, F1 will now experiment with placing a driver’s three-letter abbreviation around the onboard T-camera.
The trial will see the same abbreviations used on timing screens appear on both sides of the T-camera and on top of the roll hoop, ensuring the letters are visible in onboard footage. For example, Max Verstappen will have “VER,” Lewis Hamilton “HAM,” and Lando Norris “NOR” displayed, making it instantly clear which driver fans are watching during live coverage.
Aston Martin has already shared visuals of how this new branding will look on its cars, featuring Fernando Alonso labeled “ALO” and Lance Stroll as “STR.” If successful, this system may become a permanent feature in future races, marking a significant shift in how F1 cars are visually identified during live action.
The last notable change to driver identification came in 2017 when the FIA enlarged race numbers and briefly required abbreviation markers on cars starting from the Spanish Grand Prix. Although that rule was eventually dropped, this latest experiment could represent a more effective, modernized solution for helping fans keep track of their favorite drivers during high-speed battles.
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