F1 to virtually show fans around the circuit in Austria

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the first eight races of the 2020 Formula 1 calendar will be behind closed doors, meaning there will be no fans in the grandstands.

However, starting from the first race of the season in Austria, Formula 1 will use their existing CGI technology to virtually display fans on screens around the track.

The same technology has been widely used at previous races to show sponsorship logos and messages virtually around the circuit.

Formula 1 has asked fans to submit their own, short videos to be featured on the world feed. The videos have been called 'F1FanCam' and will need to be around five seconds long. 

Formula 1 is not the first sport to face the problem of having no crowds at the event, with football leagues being another that have been dealing with this issue. 

In the case of the English Premier League, both cardboard cutouts and virtual croud cheers have been added to make the broadcast look and sound slightly more normal. 

The following is from the official Formula 1 press release.

"Our new F1 FanCam screens put you trackside at the Grand Prix. Show your team or driver your support like never before.

“Share a film of yourself cheering your favourite driver or team and you might feature on the virtual trackside screens, or F1’s social media channels during the next Grand Prix. So smile like Ricciardo – the world will be watching.

“It’s simple. Record a 5-8 second celebration film, then sit back and enjoy the racing. A few pointers. You need to own it. We want flags, team colours, posters and whatever face/scream/fist pump you make to support your fave driver.”

"But be quick. For a chance to have your video used for the first race in Austria, you only have 4 days to get your entry in. After that, we’ll be selecting the best videos to use across the season."

Replies (1)

Login to reply
  • f1dave

    Posts: 782

    Gimmick

    • + 0
    • Jun 24 2020 - 15:23

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

Test calendar

See full test schedule

World Championship standings 2025

Show full world champion standings

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Spain
-
Bahrain
-
Bahrain
6 - Mar 8
Australia
13 - Mar 15
China
27 - Mar 29
Japan
10 - Apr 12
Bahrain
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
1 - May 3
United States of America
22 - May 24
Canada
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
12 - Jun 14
Spain
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
10 - Apr 12
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
5 - Jun 7
Monaco Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
See full schedule
show sidebar