Formula 1’s opening eight races will be run behind closed doors, which means no fans will be in attendance, but F1 has confirmed plans to have virtual fans feature in the background.
F1 will utilise its CGI technology to add fans to the background of its events. This technology has previously been used to show sponsor logos or special messages on areas of the track, which only appear on television broadcasts.
This same technology will be used to show virtual screens around the circuit which will feature short fan-submitted videos, which has been dubbed ‘F1FanCam’.
“You might not be able to be there in person, but you can be there on screen,” reads the F1 instructions on how to get involved.
“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.”
The form then asks you to choose your favourite team, likely meaning the videos will only be played when your chosen team is on screen.
Sports have utilised a number of initiatives to bring some atmosphere to closed events, with football games featuring virtual crowds, cardboard cutouts, flags, fake crowd noise and even sex dolls in the case of Korean team FC Seoul, though F1 would be wise to avoid copying that idea after the team were handed a record 100m won (£65,000) fine for damaging the league’s reputation.
To submit your Formula 1 video, click here (be quick though, entry closes soon).
