F1
Why didn't the FIA see all of Verstappen's on-board cameras?
The first unsuccessful attempt by Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) on Max Verstappen (Red Bull) in Brazil. © Mercedes Media
This was undoubtedly one of the striking images of this 2021 season of Formula 1. The duel between Max Verstappen (Red Bull) and Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) on the 48th lap of the Grand Prix of São Paulo (Brazil) increased the heart rate of viewers, culminating in the extreme defense of the Dutchman, even if it meant rushing outside the limits of the track:
That moment when we all held our breath on Sunday 😮
No quarter given ⚔️#BrazilGP (I.e. #F1 pic.twitter.com/GrN72yzRCP
- Formula 1 (@ F1) November 14, 2021
The International Automobile Federation (FIA) immediately decided not to carry out an investigation into this sequence, although the two belligerents had passed away. Hours later, the FIA admitted that it had only seen the images posted in the tweet above. As indicated by Michael Masi, the Race Director, certain angles of cameras on board the Red Bull were unavailable when judging the regularity or otherwise of the maneuver decided by the championship leader.
“The front on-board camera (allowing you to see the actions of the driver on the steering wheel. Editor’s note), the 360 degree camera (placed in front of the cockpit. Editor’s note), all cameras that we do not have access to during the live broadcast will be downloaded and we will dissect them later », he explained.
The so-called “T-Cam” camera placed on the top of the air box could perhaps have made it possible to see if Max Verstappen deliberately opened his trajectory in order to force his opponent to pass through the asphalt clearing. However, during the 48th lap, in sector 1, only the rear vision from this T-Cam was broadcast on the channel dedicated to Max Verstappen's onboards. Only one angle can be broadcast live at a time, which is also the case on the F1 TV Pro website and application.
The recording from this camera will be sent to the FIA. Could it reveal crucial information about the behavior of “Super Max”? " Absolutely. Potentially, absolutely” replied Michael Masi, while taking some serious tweezers.
Find the analysis of the São Paulo Grand Prix by our special correspondent and our F1 specialist in the next AUTOhebdo, on sale Monday evening digitally and Wednesday on newsstands.
Medhi Casaurang
Passionate about the history of motorsport across all disciplines, I learned to read thanks to AUTOhebdo. At least that's what my parents tell everyone when they see my name inside!
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DANIEL MEYERS
15/11/2021 at 12:32 a.m.
There's no real need for on-board images; Max's steering wheel to the right was clearly visible on TV, apparently the marshals aren't looking at the same thing as us?! The good question being whether in the same situation Mazepin (at random) would have been sanctioned or not. As for not being able to have access to the images, you better be deaf than to hear that, can't wait for Thursday and the broadcast of the channel's on board.