The concept of vehicles working LED wheel covers to show further data to followers has been thought-about for a number of years, and the choice was even there within the guidelines for them to be launched for racing if the expertise was prepared.
As way back because the 2021 post-season take a look at in Abu Dhabi, McLaren trialled the LED light system on its cars, amid hopes that they may very well be used to assist followers higher perceive what was happening throughout classes or races.
Pirelli’s head of automotive racing and F1 Mario Isola stated the choices for the data that may very well be displayed by way of the LEDs have been limitless.
Talking on the time, he stated: “If you match this [LED light] machine and the machine is working, you are able to do no matter you need.
“You possibly can show the place, you may show logos, you may show the lap time in qualifying or one thing like that. There are various potentialities.
“You could have the expertise, so it’s simple to programme what you wish to show.”
Mario Isola, Racing Supervisor, Pirelli Motorsport
Picture by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
However the concept to introduce the LEDs has now taken a step again following the most recent assembly of the F1 Fee.
In revised technical rules for 2024, the rule detailing the potential introduction of the LED methods has been eliminated – which formally guidelines out any risk of them coming into play.
The unique Article 8.18 acknowledged: “Relying on the supply of the mandatory expertise, and in an effort to present visible data to the spectators, the FIA might request every of the 4 wheel covers described in Article 3.13.7 to be fitted with a rotating LED show panel.”
Whereas the expertise might have been progressing, one of many greatest considerations concerning the LED methods was a possible weight improve in a delicate space of the automotive.
F1’s change from 13-inch to 18-inch wheels had already triggered a notable improve in mass, with the fronts being 2.5kg heavier and the rears up by 3kg.
And, at a time when many groups have struggled to get their cars down close to the minimum weight limit, including further weight because of the LED methods was clearly not one thing groups have been willingly going to embrace.