F1 trials driver ID stickers at Spa to improve fan visibility

Jul.26 (GMM)  Formula 1 is experimenting with a new visual aid at Spa-Francorchamps aimed at making it easier for fans to distinguish between drivers during races.

For the first time, each car is carrying the driver's three-letter abbreviation — such as "VES" for Max Verstappen or "ALO" for Fernando Alonso — printed on stickers applied to the onboard camera housing. The test is being conducted during this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix.

The initiative comes in response to ongoing complaints that F1 drivers are increasingly difficult to identify at high speed, particularly from grandstands or on television broadcasts. By replicating the name codes already used on timing screens, the hope is to offer a fast, intuitive way for viewers to know who's behind the wheel.

The problem has grown steadily in recent years. With cockpit sides rising for safety and the Halo structure obstructing side views, the once-reliable cue of helmet colour has become far less useful. Compounding the issue is the trend of drivers regularly switching helmet liveries.

While car numbers were made more visible from 2017, the required engine cover placements often clashed with sponsor logos — and their effectiveness in live viewing has been mixed at best. Other visibility experiments, such as digital ID screens, have so far failed to gain traction.

Current onboard camera units already help distinguish teammates by colour — with one driver using a black housing and the other a neon yellow one — but many casual fans remain unaware of the system.

This latest approach avoids conflict with sponsors, as the onboard camera housing is already a branding-free zone. However, space is extremely limited, and it's still unclear whether the abbreviations will remain readable at full racing speed.]]>