Helmets

“As late as 1985 a typical Formula One helmet weighed around 2kg. That amount increased dramatically under high-G cornering or deceleration, adding to the risk of 'whiplash' type injuries in big accidents. As head and neck trauma has been identified as the greatest single risk of injury to race drivers, helmet manufacturers place the greatest importance on reducing the mass of helmets, while increasing their strength and resistance to impacts.”- Formula1.com

Thankfully, the weight of helmets has been decreased to only 1.25kg, reducing the risk of a potentially lethal ‘whiplash’. As well as safety tests, F1 helmets also undergo wind-tunnel testing to help achieve a design that minimises the drag produced when the driver is travelling at speed.

Food for thought (2)

Though cutting-edge technology is used in the production of the helmets, helmets are still painted by hand! It adds to the human element of the sport and how each helmet is treasured by the user. ;)