With Formula 1 ushering in a new era of rules with the reintroduction of ground effect, the series’ graphic designers have also taken the opportunity to review and modify the graphics package shown on international broadcasts.
Taking up much more space on the screen than before, each graphic will be placed in a strip running down the entire left side of the screen, with the F1 logo at the top.
Dean Locke , director of broadcasting and media at the top flight, told Motorsport.com: “We focus a lot on graphics, so with the arrival of the new cars, we felt it was a good time to change our graphics.
“We probably did it a year earlier than our usual cycle. But we thought the right thing to do would be to do it with the new rules and the new cars.”
“They have a new look and they’re very different from what we’ve had so far. They’re edgier, they’re a little fresher and they’re a little younger. They’re more influenced by the digital world and film now.”
As well as the noticeably different look, the new graphics will make it possible for F1 to tell everything that is happening during the race in a better way, by being able to highlight the key points of the session on screen in more detail.
Locke added: “The new graphics were installed in several areas of the screen, we have a little more leeway because we started from scratch.”
“It’s a smarter graphic now. During the race weekend you’ll see they’re in a panel, and within that panel we can highlight other things. We call it smart glass.”
“Then we can highlight two drivers and get the attention of the commentators. Same thing for red flags, safety cars, VSCs and the like.”
“Also the graphics that show up when a team talks on the radio will be a bit more direct, highlighting the parts we want.”
In addition to the graphics displayed to highlight the action on track, F1 has also redesigned other graphics such as the new intro sequence, new starting grid format and pit stops.
Locke said that F1 was constantly evaluating how to please both older fans and more casual and younger fans.
“You can’t have numbers everywhere on the screen,” he said. “We spend a lot of time thinking about how we show these numbers.”
“We know that we have established fans who understand everything. But there are also some fans who are more casual or who have joined the sport more recently.”
