Safety Measures in Formula 1

 A crash at 300km/hour in a road car would mean certain death. So, how does Formula 1 drivers just walk away from a crash like that? Let us see how Formula 1 implements its safety regulations and what aspects are important to make sure everyone involved in the sport is safe.

Formula 1, from its first Grand Prix which was held at Silverstone circuit in the British Midlands, now in its 70th year has come a long way. It is the pinnacle of motorsport, not only because of the talent of the drivers and competition, but also because of the technology that is used in the sport. People all over the world watch the Formula 1 cars reaching speeds of 350km/hour on the circuits. And this popularity of the sport might just justify the millions and millions gained from sponsorships, which are then spent on car performance and more importantly on safety measures. Today, the sport is known for its hefty procedures ensuring safety for the drivers, the fans and all the personnel present along the circuit. However, this was not always the case, numerous people have lost their lives in and around the sport, so that is what makes it interesting to see how the sport today, ensures safety in all of its areas.

Talking about each improvement regarding safety, the emergence of driver’s association and its influence on current regulations would be too technical, so let us leave it for some other time. For now let us focus on key safety aspects in Formula 1 today and how are they implemented.

The Car

Formula 1 cars reach up to 350km/hour during the race. A crash at that speed in a road car would mean certain death. However, we constantly see F1 drivers have lethal crashes and just walk away as if nothing happened. How is that possible? Well, the most important component for driver’s safety in a car would be the monocoque chassis or some might call it the ‘survival cell’.

 All the teams in F1 use a similar principle design as per the regulations set by the FIA. Drivers are protected by the robust roll hoops which are embedded in the monocoque. Moreover, the side and front impact crush structure is designed to absorb the impact during a crash. The hoops and crush structure works in such a way that the driver would be protected from an impact at any angle, even if the car turns upside down. Because of the crush structure and the shear impact, car parts during a crash can fly anywhere. Tyres which are around 10Kg each could fly off and hit anything or anyone. To avoid this, strong tethers which can sustain strong forces, connect each tyre to the chassis through the wheel hub. One of the latest and vital addition to the safety elements in an F1 car would be the halo. F1 being an open cockpit racing competition, the halo protects the drivers head from impact, any car parts that may fly off and sometimes even the cars.

The Driver

The most obvious safety element in any motorsport is the helmet. F1 helmets are manufactured using materials that are capable of withstanding heavy forces during a crash and artificial fibres that do not burn readily. One more element that is quite common in cars is a seat belt, in case of F1 its called a racing/safety harness. F1 uses a six-point safety harness, the same kind that a fighter jet pilot uses. The Head and Neck safety device or the HANS device, keeps the head and the neck moving in a constant motion during a crash, preventing whiplash and skull fractures. Drivers also must wear specially designed racing suits, gloves, shoes, inners along with the helmet and the HANS device to ensure safety and comfort during the race.

The Crew

A driver and a car are not all that is to racing, it also includes contribution of engineers and mechanics towards the team’s success. Being in and around the track and the car means they also must follow strict safety measures. Moreover, engineers help the drivers too, by constantly giving them instructions through radios to be safe on the circuit. To do just that, engineers have a wide range of technical data at their disposal on the screens. They can directly contact the drivers if there is any problem with the car or if there is a crash on the track to ensure their safety. Similar to the driver mechanics also have to wear race suits, helmets and gloves since they are responsible for changing the tyres and performing other important tasks in the pits during a race. 

Stewards and Marshals

Race marshals are present all around the track and are responsible to make sure track side safety. They are the first responders when there is a crash. Marshals are well trained and go through a safety course which enables them to make important decisions during the race, take the driver to safety and clear any debris left on the track. They are also protected by the barriers and are supposed to wear protective clothing. Marshals are equipped with fire extinguishers in case of fires and have a series of flags that are waved to inform the driver of race conditions.

Stewards are like referees; they implement the rules and regulations. Stewards have multiple cameras and technical data within their reach to make sure rules and regulations are followed by all personnel involved in the sport. The safety car and the medical car are deployed as per the instructions of the stewards along with other instructions to be followed in case of a crash. Penalties are imposed by the stewards to the drivers and the teams if they find infringement of sporting conduct for eg. not following safety measures or causing a collision.

Track side

As mentioned earlier, car parts, in some cases the car itself, can fly off during a crash; this can prove fatal not only for the drivers but also for the fans and stewards. Therefore, F1 has to come up with all manner of solutions to stop an uncontrolled car without causing harm to the driver. To do just that, F1 uses a meticulously planned combination of runoff areas, gravel traps, track side barriers and railings to stop the cars from being flown off into the stands.

  

Over the years there have been many incidences that have resulted in the death of drivers, track side personnel and the fans. Of course, the technology and the implementation of rules keeps improving but it is important to acknowledge the work that is being put in. Today, Formula 1 through its meticulous planning and organisation of all of its key components of the sport makes sure the sport is safe for everyone involved in it.

picture credits - formula1.com, motorsport.tech, reservedrivers.com, redbull.com, telegraph.co.uk