The F1 Intake-Mounted 'Info Wing' Gives Race Stats To Spectators

A new ‘Info Wing’ LED display developed by Lewis Hamilton’s father Anthony will be tested by the Force India team at the post-Abu Dhabi Grand Prix test.

The device will sit on top of the air intake above the driver’s head and will provide viewers with data such as race position, fastest laps and tyre compounds.

The LED display will first be trialled by the FIA on the safety car during assessment runs this weekend, before Force India test it on Tuesday at the Yas Marina Circuit.

Hamilton is quoted as saying by Mail Online:

“The test is to decide whether the unit is practical for F1 and single seaters. Also, whether the LED display can be seen from the grandstands, and whether it works for the TV audience. The idea behind the system is to provide race-position data plus other race information to the viewing public.

“One of the major problems with watching race cars is knowing who is where and who is who without having to take your eyes off the action to find and locate the information on a hand-held device, or one of the circuit monitors. By the time you have found the information the car has gone past and you’re no better off, and having missed the action as well.”

He added:

“It might not work. We might not be able to see the LEDs in the bright sunlight, but it is the concept I hope could be of interest. It might require further work on the intensity of the LEDs, but I believe this has the potential to make a huge impact on the viewing of races and tests, making it more informative and enjoyable. Hopefully it could bring new fans to the sport, and old fans back as well.”

Versions for other forms of motorsport like DTM, IndyCar and NASCAR are also in development. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.