F1 should use IndyCar-style spotters, reckons Max Chilton

Chilton, who raced for Marussia in 2014 and 2015 and has driven for Chip Ganassi Racing since the start of last year, believes these could reduce collisions in F1.

Spotters are used in oval racing, with their high vantage point allowing them to guide their driver on the relative position of other cars.

"Now I've experienced the spotter, I think it's really helpful," said Chilton, who finished fourth in last month's Indianapolis 500.

"In certain F1 races, it would be helpful for drivers to have a spotter.

"I know it's not traditional in F1 and it might not happen, but it would probably reduce some of the accidents."

Chilton suggested it could be particularly helpful for a race like the Monaco Grand Prix, when drivers have little space and find it difficult to keep an eye on cars around them during the run to the first corner.

While there have been occasions when teams are known to have offered assistance to drivers on the relative location of other cars over the radio, this is not a formalised practice in F1.

"At Monaco for example, coming into Turn 1 you don't have time to look in your mirrors," said Chilton.

"If you got someone viewing over you and telling you you're clear behind, it takes the pressure off looking behind and you concentrate on in front, so it's a safety tool as well."

Adapting to the use of a spotter is something that was key to Fernando Alonso's progress in preparing for his Indy 500 debut last month.