The new Spa test is designed to help make it easier to identify F1 drivers.

      "VES" for Verstappen, "HAM" for Hamilton

      Formula 1 is experimenting with a new method to assist fans in recognizing drivers more easily by placing a three-letter abbreviation for each driver directly on the car’s onboard camera housing. This test, being conducted this weekend at the Belgian GP, addresses increasing complaints that distinguishing drivers at high speed has become increasingly challenging, especially from the sidelines or on television. Both F1 and the FIA anticipate that this initiative will offer an immediate visual cue for viewers, similar to the existing timing screens.

      Examples of these codes that are now being featured on stickers on the top and sides of the cars’ camera units include "VES" for Max Verstappen, "HAM" for Lewis Hamilton, and "ALO" for Fernando Alonso.

      The initiative responds to a growing visibility issue that has escalated over the last decade. As cockpits have become deeper and the Halo safety device was introduced, the visibility of driver helmets—which were previously the easiest way to identify who was driving—has significantly declined. Additionally, helmet designs have become less reliable as identifiers, with drivers frequently changing their liveries from race to race.

      In 2017, F1 mandated that car numbers be more visible, requiring teams to display them prominently on engine covers. However, this was often at odds with commercial interests and had only a limited impact, particularly for fans watching cars racing at high speeds. Previous trials involving digital displays were also discontinued following limited testing.

      The current onboard camera housings already use color coding—one car per team has a black camera, while the other has a neon yellow one—but many fans find this difficult to comprehend.

      The new sticker trial avoids commercial conflicts, as sponsor branding is prohibited on the camera housings. Nonetheless, space is limited, and it remains uncertain whether the initials will be clearly readable during racing speeds.

      F1 - FOM - Liberty Media