FIA TO INTRODUCE AI PROGRAM FOR TRACK LIMITS DECISIONS
One of the most debated topics in Formula 1 has long been track limits. Drivers constantly push their cars to the edge of the white lines to gain time, while rival drivers and teams closely watch for any breaches.
Traditionally, reviewing these incidents has been slow, often delaying race results. For example, the 2023 Austrian Grand Prix required more than 1,000 track-limit reviews, a massive task for human stewards.
To speed up the process, the FIA has teamed up with Catapult to create a new AI-powered system called ECAT, short for “Every Car All Turns.” This system uses computer vision and advanced sensors to track each car’s position and behaviour on the track, almost like creating a digital twin of the race in real time.
ECAT can detect when a car crosses the white lines by comparing its path to the ideal racing line. If a car strays too far, the system flags it automatically. It also integrates video footage so stewards and teams can quickly check incidents without waiting. The FIA says this has reduced human review by 95%, making decisions faster and more transparent.
The system relies on a combination of high-speed cameras, precise GPS positioning, and data from the car itself. Even in areas where cameras can not cover the track, ECAT can use “virtual zones” to spot potential violations. This makes track-limit enforcement more consistent and data-driven.
While the technology promises speed and fairness, it also introduces a new challenge: hyper-precision. Just like VAR in football, the system may detect tiny deviations that are technically violations but do not actually affect the race in a meaningful way.
Despite this, ECAT represents a big step forward. It allows the FIA to catch real infractions quickly, reduces debates over subjective calls, and ensures teams get immediate feedback. The hope is that by 2026, race results will not be held up while stewards analyze every tiny incident, making the sport smoother for drivers and fans alike.
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