Why F1 Teams Still Rely on a 1980s Tool Over Cutting-Edge Radios
Formula 1 is renowned for its technological prowess, with cars designed using supercomputer simulations and sensors, and engineers employing advanced software to extract every last fraction of a second. Yet, amidst this high-tech environment, F1 teams persist in using pit boards, a surprisingly old-school tool. But why haven't these boards been replaced by more modern technology?
The Pit Board's Enduring Presence
Pit boards are simple signs that hang over the pit wall, providing drivers with crucial information as they speed past the team garage. They display a driver's position, gaps to other cars, laps remaining, upcoming pit stops, or custom codes agreed upon between the team and the driver. While radios facilitate continuous communication, the pit board is displayed only once per lap, yet its simplicity makes it indispensable.
Reliability: A Key Advantage
The primary reason pit boards have persisted in F1 is their reliability. Radios, despite their high-tech nature, are not infallible, and issues can arise. In the past, Ayrton Senna's radio was accidentally cut off by a catering team, and more recently, Kimi Raikkonen experienced a radio failure in 2021. Max Verstappen encountered a similar issue in Canada in 2022. Pit boards ensure that even in the event of radio failures, drivers receive essential information about their race position.
Clarity and Instant Information
Another reason for the pit board's longevity is clarity. Drivers, traveling at over 200 miles per hour, must focus on braking points, tire management, and traffic. A quick glance at the pit board allows them to absorb vital data instantly, without the need to process lengthy radio messages. The boards are consistently positioned on the pit straight, providing drivers with a familiar reference point every lap.
Each team assigns a crew member, often an engineer or strategist, to operate the board. They use a system of interchangeable numbers, letters, and symbols to update information based on live telemetry and strategy decisions. Just before the car enters the pit straight, the board is positioned through a dedicated slot in the safety fence, ensuring optimal visibility for the driver.
Real-Time Updates and Critical Moments
The board might display lap numbers, gaps to the car ahead or behind, or even instructions like 'BOX' for an upcoming pit stop. During critical moments, such as undercut or overcut attempts, the displayed gaps are updated in real-time, keeping F1 drivers informed about their race position.
Even with advanced radios and steering dashboard displays, pit boards remain a valuable tool. They reduce the mental load on the driver, provide a backup in case of technical issues, and deliver information clearly and instantly. In a sport dominated by complex electronics and data-driven technology, the pit board demonstrates that simplicity can be a powerful asset for teams striving to stay at the top of the race.
