A New Era of Race Operations

The latest milestone in our partnership is the full integration of the Track Limits Computer Vision (TLCV) into the FIA’s decision-making infrastructure via Catapult’s RaceWatch system. Designed to handle the speed, complexity, and stakes of elite motorsport, this solution has significantly streamlined one of the sport’s most contentious areas: track limits policing.

In 2023, we collaborated to test and refine the system. By 2024, it was rolled out across FIA competitions. In 2025, we’re building on this success; improving accuracy, usability, and scaling support across multiple categories and circuits.

Chris Bentley, FIA Head of Information Systems Strategy: “Catapult’s systems aren’t just tools; they’re embedded into our day-to-day operations. From the stewards' room to the pit wall, they’ve helped us modernize how we officiate, review, and communicate.”

Why It Matters

Track limits infractions happen at speeds of 300 kph. By the time a human official can react, a car is already two basketball courts away. In Miami this weekend, for example, multiply that by 20 cars, 57 laps, and 19 corners, and the need for automation is obvious.

Thanks to RaceWatch, FIA officials now only manually review 5% of cases that truly require attention. The system:

• Flags infractions within 1 second,

• Reduces manual oversight by 95%, and

• Saves over 1,000 hours of review time annually.

This means fewer delays, more consistent rulings, and more focus on officiating the race, not chasing it.

Behind the System

This isn’t just software. It’s an ecosystem:

• 120+ high-definition cameras across the circuit and cars (with 30+ intercom channels)

• 300+ sensors per car, transmitting data every millisecond

• RTAP and Focus Servers connecting real-time timing, telemetry, positioning data, and video

• Stewards Room using the Incident Hub for historic comparisons and incident reviews

• Remote Operations Centres (ROC) operating as an extension of Race Control, supporting live session management, incident tracking, and rule policing.

In addition to incident detection, RaceWatch supports every major operational element: from tyre monitoring and fuel flow tracking to pit stop management, grid alignment checks, and penalty verification. It also powers the live data feeds that underpin team strategy decisions and TV broadcast information.

Every input flows into RaceWatch, which acts as the central operating platform for race operations. Race Control, with support from the Remote Operations Centre (ROC), identifies and tags incidents in real time using RaceWatch. From there, officials triage cases, escalate to Stewards when needed, and manage live race communications. While RaceWatch enables rapid data processing and visualization, it is the combination of human expertise and technology that drives officiating decisions, ensuring accuracy and fairness at the highest levels of motorsport.

Gareth Griffith, CTO at Catapult: “We’ve spent 15 years building systems that solve real problems for race directors and stewards. Track Limits Computer Vision is just the latest proof of what’s possible when technology is purpose-built for motorsport.”

A Global Footprint

Since 2009, FIA and Catapult have supported:

• Over 1,000 races across Formula 1, WEC, and Formula E

• More than 300 Grands Prix

• Real-time performance and safety tracking in every championship

And it doesn’t stop there. The same combination of real-time monitoring and decision support systems built for the pit wall is now being adapted to the sidelines, helping elite teams in football, rugby, and hockey make faster, more informed decisions under pressure.

What’s Next

As we move into the 2025 motorsport season, Catapult and the FIA will continue pushing the boundaries of innovation. We remain committed to evolving RaceWatch, the TLCV, and many other innovations that will further enhance officiating efficiency and accuracy across global competitions. 

Together, we will continue to set new standards for safety, efficiency, and performance in motorsport, ensuring race operations meet the demands of modern competition.

Building on RaceWatch’s expansion into full event management, we will continue developing systems that improve race start procedures, pit stop accuracy, and broadcast data delivery, ensuring motorsport stays fast, fair, and future-ready.