Safety Features of formula 1 cars
Have you ever noticed how drivers almost always emerge out of their cars after a crash unhurt? This is because of the constant efforts to improve the safety of the Formula 1 cars. Here are the best safety features of Formula 1 cars that ensure they are as protected as possible.
The survival cell
The survival cell is frequently referred to as the most important safety feature on a Formula 1 car. It is the area of the car right around the driver. Its purpose is to keep them safe in case of an accident. It ensures that nothing can pierce and injure the drivers if they crash. The cell is made from carbon fiber which is light but highly durable and almost indestructible.
Seatbelts
Seat belts are not a recent addition to the Formula 1 cars, but they do play a very important role in protecting the drivers. The drivers wear a six-point harness, similar to one worn in a fighter jet. Believe it or not, seat belts have only been compulsory in Formula 1 cars since 1972. Prior to being mandatory, drivers did not wear seat belts because they were so afraid of their car catching fire in an accident, they would rather be flung out than burn.
The halo
The halo is a carbon-fiber-covered titanium structure that is capable of supporting the weight of a double-decker bus (12 tonnes). It sits directly above the cockpit and is the strongest part of an F1 car. The aim of the halo is to stop debris or cars from hitting the driver's head. When the halo was introduced, it was met with alot of complaints and criticism. People thought that the halo ruined the look of the cars, however, they have since been silenced as there have been many examples of it saving drivers' lives.
The HANS device
The HANS (Head And Neck Support) device is a device that protects the driver's neck. It rests on the driver's shoulders and clips into the back of the helmet. When the driver crashes, the HANS device prevents violent head movements. In 2003, the HANS device became mandatory for all drivers to wear during a race.
Accident Data recorders
Although they do not protect the driver in an accident, these devices record vital information such as the forces that the driver was exposed to as well as how the driver's safety equipment responds during a crash. Safety features of both the cars and the tracks are constantly being improved using this data as it shows the full limits of the crash.
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.