F1 News, Reports and Race Results

A driver-less Safety Car in F1? Believe it says Budkowski

It may sound a bit paradoxical but F1 could actually roll out a driver-less Safety Car in the future in a bid to promote autonomous technology.

The idea has been submitted by Marcin Budkowski who heads the FIA's F1 technical department in   an interview with Motorsport.com.

As the automotive industry moves towards electric powered cars, autonomous driving is in tow with almost all major manufacturers gradually integrating the driverless tech in their high end models.

Budkowski said discussions about showcasing autonomous driving within the F1 platform are already underway.

"It would promote a technology about which there is a bit of scepticism and, instead, it could be shown that it works," says the FIA official.

"The safety car driver would no longer be essential, because it would leave the controls to the computer.

But we must be aware of the attraction of [F1] race cars without drivers: the engineers would love it, but not the fans."

 Indeed, from safety cars to F1 cars, autonomous technology engineers could be lurking although Budkowski believes the existing Roborace concept will would likely be the preferred recipient for advanced tech in the field. 

"I see it [Roborace] as a very interesting thing, which pushes things in one direction. But can this idea of having no F1 driver captivate millions around the world? Frankly I have doubts.

"However, using the motorsport platform to promote to the public new technologies, like an unmanned safety car, or events like Roborace, can be fantastic in exploring the possibility of new solutions." 

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

 

 

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

McLaren: No regrets over timing of Norris pit stop in Sao Paulo GP

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has insisted that the squad has no regrets about their…

1 hour ago

Williams' Boutsen hoists the mainsail in Adelaide

On this day in 1989, Williams' Thierry Boutsen secured his second F1 win when he…

3 hours ago

Horner: Max 'answered critics' with epic Sao Paulo GP drive

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner hailed Max Verstappen’s sensational Sao Paulo Grand Prix victory…

3 hours ago

Sainz left puzzled by double crash drama in rainy São Paulo

Carlos Sainz was left scratching his head after a disastrous Sunday at the Sao Paulo…

4 hours ago

Alonso pushed through agonizing pain to complete Sao Paulo GP

Fernando Alonso braved both physical agony and mechanical challenges in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix,…

6 hours ago

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

20 hours ago