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-   -   Formula 1 cars to be fitted with 360-degree cameras in 2018 (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/intl-motorsport/192873-formula-1-cars-fitted-360-degree-cameras-2018-a.html)

Liberty Media - the owners of Formula One, have made it mandatory for every Formula One race car to be fitted with a 360-degree camera from 2018. This camera will be mounted in front of the Halo, which will be introduced in 2018 as well.



Tata Communications - the official connectivity partner of Formula One, had tested two such cameras at the 2017 Singapore Grand Prix. The cameras were not mounted on the cars, but were placed in the paddock and at trackside. The footage from the two cameras was streamed to viewers in Europe.

A 360-degree camera requires a lot of data to be transmitted along with a large processing capacity and live transmission from one was not possible due to a 30-second delay between the regular camera feeds and the feed from the 360-degree cameras. Tata claims to have managed to eliminate this delay. During the Singapore Grand Prix, both the TV and 360-degree camera videos were broadcast in sync with each other for the first time as proof of concept.

The Halo is reported to have hampered the view from the regular cameras placed near it. With the 360-degree camera Liberty Media hopes to eliminate this problem. Such cameras have been tested by Red Bull Racing and Mercedes. While the feeds were not streamed live, the exercise was used to showcase the footage from the cameras.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfNvZwN87Hg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0Ub6fattRc


Source - Tobi Gruner / Twitter

Link to the Team-BHP News

What are the advantages, if any?

Perhaps adding a bit more engagement for the audience? Each person can view whatever angle he / she wants, all from the comfort of their home.

I guess it shall provide a really immersive experience, especially with compatible VR headsets.
Imagine sitting in the nose of the F1 car, like the camera angle often used in video games.

I just hope that the devices are supported and capable of non-lag streaming!

Biggest advantage I see is in investigation of accidents / incidents. This will ultimately lead to greater safety.