Hamilton tests end-plate LEDs

Hamilton with his rear wing end-plate lights aglow

Lewis Hamilton was been running in Barcelona Formula 1 testing today with a strip of red lights mounted in each rear wing endplate of his Mercedes W09.

The test was being conducted at the request of the FIA as a possible solution for improving visibility in rain conditions so trailing drivers can see the cars in front of them through the spray.

Design consultant Chris Beatty tweeted today that he has previously suggested endplate lights that show green, red, yellow and blue lights to following drivers to correspond to race flag conditions.

Beatty had used a similar concept in the Velocity single-seater concept that helped inspire the 2018 IndyCar package, but IndyCar never implemented it. We think it's a great idea.