SUMMARY
- Crash helmets have saved hundreds of Formula 1 drivers from succumbing to fatal head injuries.
- During the late 1950s, drivers used helmets made of fiberglass.
Crash helmets are an important part of clothing for the safety of F1 drivers. Each helmet consists of different colors, and logos which make them unique and the team, recognizable. Fans and teams mostly recognize the drivers by their helmets. However, the priority of wearing a helmet is there to protect the driver’s head from any injuries.
The engineers use high crafting skills to create and make a helmet for the driver. The importance of the helmet for the driver is the same as the suit and kit they require while driving. Along with the helmets, a crucial part of the helmet, the visor, also plays an important role in clear sight for the driver.
How strong are crash Helmets in F1?
Formula 1 has experienced many fatal and bad crashes in its history and since then, many drivers have been saved because of a good helmet on their heads. This history of crashes and saves made it a top-of-the-line priority for drivers to wear a good quality helmet, which gave rise to using technology in crafting the best helmet for a driver with which he will be protected, and drive efficiently.
F1 experienced a wave of glass fiber helmets in the late 50s. Before this, the drivers were using cork and steel crash helmets as mandated by the FIA. The helmets produced using fiberglass were more durable and aerodynamic than their steel and cork counterparts.
![Everything to Know About Crash Helmets & Visors in F1: How Safe Is It? 2 Evolution in helmets](https://static.sportsmanor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/25090002/Helmets.jpg)
Though these helmets were stronger, they had an open-face design, meaning the drivers had to wear goggles, However, after a decade, visors were made compulsory to be installed in a helmet for utmost safety and vision.
These Helmets carried an inbuilt radio system to facilitate communication. In 2001, glass fiber helmets were replaced by carbon fiber helmets. Even though these helmets are heavier than glass fiber helmets, they allow better weight distribution during a crash so that the driver’s head remains as stable as possible.
FIA made it mandatory for all the helmets to undergo safety tests. During the safety test, a 5 kg steel anvil is dropped onto a helmet from a height of 3.3 meters. Even if the outer part of the helmet were to dent, the inner foam layer and steel casing should remain unaffected. The Helmet is also tested by firing lead bullets at almost 500 km/h.
Visors in Formula 1
Visors in F1 helmets are as important as the whole structure of the helmet. In order to make them, a great amount of design is involved. The visor is water-resistant its construction, with the strips, helps racers steer clear of obstructions.
![Everything to Know About Crash Helmets & Visors in F1: How Safe Is It? 3 Lewis Hamilton George Russell](https://static.sportsmanor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/08163844/Lewis-Hamilton-George-Russell.jpg)
Visor testing involves putting your weight on the visor to ensure that it does not loosen or come loose when an impact is applied. the visor should be made of 3 mm thick polycarbonate. Visor testing involves putting your weight on the visor to ensure that it does not loosen or come loose when an impact is applied.