F1 Safety Car to evaluate groundbreaking debris detection tech

Mercedes will evaluate the use of a laser detection system on theFormula 1 Safety Car to detect debris on track. Drivers can oftenbe heard complaining that debris has not been fully recovered bymarshals during Safety Car periods, leading to extended periodsunder the suspended race conditions. New equipment by automotivetechnology company Luminar could solve the problem. Using a LiDAR(Light Detection and Ranging) scanner, it will be implemented onthe official FIA Safety Car in 2024 to assess the development ofthe system. LiDAR tech to be used on Safety Car LiDAR technology isused to create a detailed 3D map of a surrounding environment,while AI software enables precise object detection at higher speedsunder adverse driving conditions. Luminar claims their product candetect debris to a range of 250m and larger objects at up to 500m.The system will be fitted to the roofline of the Mercedes AMG GTBlack Series Safety Car during race weekends, relaying extrainformation back to race control. “I am delighted that we havelaunched this new partnership with Luminar,” said Mercedes TeamPrincipal Toto Wolff. “I have been thoroughly impressed by theirjourney so far, their technology and the work they have done. It isa truly thrilling and innovative area which will have far-reachingimplications for the automotive industry and mobility moregenerally. “Our collaboration will utilise the initial developmentwork between Luminar and Mercedes-Benz as a bedrock, and I amexcited to see how we can build on that.”