FIA confirms plans for central 'mission control' during Formula 1 races

F1 News

30 January 2022 at 08:13
Last update 30 January 2022 at 12:06
  • GPblog.com

There are plans for a system similar to VAR in Formula 1. This was confirmed by Peter Bayer, who is conducting the inquiry into the incidents and how it was handled at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

There were already rumours about such a system. Bayer confirmed to the BBC that a revision of the safety car rules is being considered, as well as a restructuring of the race management. Not only should the tasks of the race director be divided among several people, there are also plans for a central 'mission control'.

Plans for 'VAR' in Formula 1?

This could mean a kind of VAR, which provides remote support to the race director. In addition, team bosses will no longer be able to talk directly to the race director during a race. They can still make a request, but an intermediary will be appointed to approve or disapprove that request.

"The team bosses need to be able to ask questions," Bayer said. "We want to build in a buffer with an employee who will accept these requests. In the future, the race director will be able to concentrate on his task and not be distracted."

Bayer emphasised that he is only in a position to advise on changes. He will present his plans to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The two must agree on a proposal, which will then be presented to the FIA ​​World Council.