In the midst of the digital transformation, Formula 1 is no stranger to innovative technologies. But what new technologies are driving Formula 1 broadcasting and live streams to new heights? Let’s take a look.
Immersive Broadcasts
Motor-inspired entertainment has long since been a popular theme, so much so that it has spawned a wide range of different media, from TV shows like Top Gear to films like Gran Turismo and even online casino games. Players in the UK can find online slot games such as Road Rage, Hotline 2, and Cursed Knight Rider, which uses symbols of sleek motors and road signage along with fast-paced slot game mechanics. This provides car enthusiasts with an authentic, engaging, immersive, car-themed experience. Similarly, F1 has continued to trial different technologies that can make their broadcasts more immersive for viewers.
One of these innovative technologies involves tracking all the key aspects of the cars within any given race. These statistics and telemetry are typically only transmitted to the team in the pits. However, F1 TV broadcasts statistics such as tyre pressure, tyre usage, leaderboard data, and live driver maps in real-time, overlaid as a graphic during the live stream, as well as historical data that can be used for comparison to predict drivers’ trends and styles. This provides audiences with real-time updates throughout the race and more in-depth commentary, making for more immersive broadcasts that make audiences feel more connected to the race at hand.
Personalisation Opportunities
Artificial intelligence (AI) is somewhat of a buzzword at the moment. The technology is rapidly progressing and is being used in many different applications, not least for personalising virtual experiences. F1 is no stranger to AI technology, already using it to provide automated closed captions and subtitles in British English, Spanish, and French. The AI utilises Amazon Transcribe’s automatic speech recognition technology to reduce the delays associated with manual transcription and translation.
In June 2024, F1 and Amazon teamed up again with the AI ‘Statbot’, which provides presenters with trivia and racing data. It is thought that audiences will be able to select what statistics, data, trends, and insights they want to see during the broadcast, allowing for hyper-personalised experiences. For some, this may be the backstory of specific drivers and their achievements — for others, this may be all the technical details of the cars and their performance. This moves away from the broadcast being a passive experience towards unique and personalised streams for each viewer.
High-Speed Video Capture
F1 has always experimented with different camera angles during races. These are often captured by fixed cameras at various points of the race, over the finish line, and even small live stream cameras within the cars themselves to provide viewers with the drivers’ perspectives. However, moving cameras haven’t been as effective with modern cars racking up unbelievable speeds.
That’s why Red Bull and the Dutch Drone Gods UAV got together to create an advanced FPV drone, which has been named the fastest camera drone in the world. The drone captured Max Verstappen doing a full-speed lap at Silverstone in March 2024. The drone was able to match the agility and speed of Verstappen’s RB20S even at speeds of over 300 km/h, which could indicate the future of video capture at F1 events.
As you can see, technologies such as immersive graphics, personalisation options, and drone camera footage are transforming Formula 1 broadcasting. And, with F1 rumoured to be laying the groundwork for 8K streaming, it’s clear that F1 is a driving force behind the broadcast technological revolution.
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