FIA race director Charlie Whiting has acknowledged coded radio messages will be difficult to police throughout future grands prix.

Ahead of this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix, the FIA allowed Whiting to address the thorny matter of messages between team and driver that has suddenly become a major talking point in the sport.

Last week the FIA declared teams and drivers must strictly abide by a sporting regulation that states: “The driver must drive the car alone and unaided.” A list was produced earlier this week for clarification, although, in responding to pressure from teams, that has now been simplified.

That is due to the fact that, given the complicated nature of the new power units and brake systems for this year, drivers still need help.

In terms of coaching, such as being told where to apply power, where to brake, where a driver is losing time, such messages remain banned.

The grey area, however, surrounds the use of coded messages where teams may use words and phrases that may sound innocuous at first listen, but could have a hidden meaning.

Whiting said: “Yes, I agree it won’t be straightforward.

“We’ll have a little bit of time to think about that because I think the list the teams have been given is quite straightforward.

“If you’ve a more complex, longer, more technical list, there will be greater opportunities for that sort of thing.

“So it’s going to be a little difficult, but I’m fairly confident we can get over that one with enough time.”