Among the myriad changes on the horizon, one significant development stands out: the potential introduction of AI in Formula 1 to assist the FIA in race direction
A new “VAR” for F1 could soon be more than just a catchy slogan. Amid the web of announcements about the 2026 regulations and the complex updates for the next-generation cars, a groundbreaking proposal has emerged on the FIA’s agenda: deploying AI in Formula 1 as early as 2025. The goal? To trial this technology in preparation for the much-anticipated 2026 season. AI could revolutionize how race direction is managed in the sport, offering an additional layer of support to race directors in decision-making. But what are the potential benefits and risks of such a shift?
The inconsistency and lack of clarity in regulations remain significant concerns for Formula 1, especially with the monumental changes planned for 2026. The upcoming “revolution” must be near-flawless, and lagging race direction should no longer be an issue. Throughout the current season, drivers and teams alike have frequently criticized the inconsistency in decision-making, often pointing fingers at the FIA for its handling of various situations.
Faced with repeated grievances, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem addressed the issue firmly after the Qatar GP, stating:
“With all due respect, I am a driver and I respect drivers, but how we run the FIA is not their concern.” While his words sparked further debate, they underscore the Federation’s resolve to chart its own course.
FIA’s crisis and the AI: Wittich’s departure
The Formula 1 paddock was rocked ahead of the Las Vegas GP by the sudden resignation of long-time race director Niels Wittich. With only three races left in the 2024 season, Wittich’s decision to step down sent shockwaves through the sport. His replacement, rookie race director Rui Marques, has already faced significant backlash over his contentious decisions and a strict penalty regime, with 10-second penalties becoming an almost default outcome.
Amid this turbulence, Ben Sulayem defended the FIA’s actions, stating:“Do we need to explain? When a team makes changes, do they inform us? No, they don’t. It’s simple. I don’t spend my time reading the media; they are useful, but they don’t vote in the FIA. I was elected to fix the Federation, and I’m doing just that. Our current position makes me proud. . Nessuno è obbligato a farlo. Abbiamo regole e le seguiamo. Non ci atteniamo alle norme di qualcun altro. È semplice. Non passo il mio tempo a leggere i media, sono utili, ma non votano nella FIA. Io sono stato eletto per sistemare la Federazione e lo sto facendo. Sono molto soddisfatto del nostro nuovo team e sono ottimista riguardo al futuro: la nostra posizione attuale mi rende soddisfatto. In 2023, we onboarded 64 new employees, and in 2024, we’ll welcome 92 more.”
With AI what could the FIA do? Could AI improve their decisions on penalties given? Probably yes. The introduction of AI could address long-standing issues, such as disputes over track limits—one of the most contested topics in recent seasons. AI could offer objective assessments, reducing ambiguities and fostering fairer penalty decisions. With enhanced computational support, it could calculate collision probabilities, identify fault in incidents, and evaluate whether contact could have been avoided. Data-driven insights, bolstered by AWS’s advanced analytics (a staple sponsor of F1), could improve decision-making accuracy.
However, this technological leap is not without its challenges. Ethical questions could arise, as relying on AI might overlook nuanced, context-specific judgments, potentially creating contentious precedents. In the end, any decision—AI-driven or not—will likely face scrutiny and criticism.
Photo: FIA.com