The RaceWatch system, already used to monitor track limits in Formula 1, is evolving thanks to artificial intelligence. Teams will now receive real-time images of any infringements committed by their drivers, marking a significant step forward in transparency and efficiency.
From 2026, the FIA will revolutionize the way track limits are controlled by integrating advanced artificial intelligence into its monitoring systems. RaceWatch, developed in collaboration with Catapult, will be upgraded with high-performance GPUs capable of processing all the necessary information in real time to verify every single lap completed during a Grand Prix weekend.
According to what was exclusively revealed by Motorsport.com through an interview with Chris Bentley, FIA Single-Seater Information Systems Strategy Manager, the new system represents a major leap forward in the management and detection of track limits infringements.
How the new system works
The AI-based recognition relies on advanced computer vision technology to identify the silhouette of each car and analyze its behavior relative to predefined reference points on the circuit. “We can automatically flag when a car goes outside the limits because the positioning data changes,” explained Bentley.
The system is now capable of detecting potential infringements purely from positioning data. If it identifies an abnormal deviation or if a car enters a virtual zone drawn onto the track layout, RaceWatch automatically generates an alert for race control to review.
Greater transparency for teams
One of the most important innovations concerns transparency between the FIA and Formula 1 teams. The governing body will now be able to send teams images of the infringements committed by their drivers, reducing time lost in discussions with race control and providing faster and clearer feedback to engineers and strategists on the pit wall.
“The system has allowed us to make a step change: we now manage all the cameras from a single control point and can distribute video processing across any machine on the network,” Bentley explained.
Geofencing and virtual zones
The upgraded RaceWatch platform also incorporates geofencing technology. With this technique, it is possible to draw chicanes and virtual zones directly onto the track map, which automatically trigger an alert if a car enters them. This approach enhances accuracy and ensures consistent monitoring of track limits at every circuit on the Formula 1 calendar.
“All of this will already be operational this year; we worked on it throughout 2025,” the FIA official concluded.
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