The FIA continues to implement safety measures to make motorsport championships safer. From the 2019 season onwards, Formula 1 drivers helmets will follow this mandatory helmet standard.
FIA To Introduce Mandatory Helmet Standards For Formula 1
FIA safety director, Laurent Mekies, explained some details about the change. He said:“The current top-end helmets are already the safest in the world. However, the new standard will take them to the next level.”
Safety Improvement
“It’s important for all of our safety research that we continually strive to improve. This is why we are requiring all manufacturers to meet this tougher standard for our championships.”
#F1 – The @fia has released a new top-end helmet standard that will bring about increased protection for racing drivers in all major championships.https://t.co/morpe9491H pic.twitter.com/Zt4ffYZavp
— FIA (@fia) June 6, 2018
Also, helmet manufacturers Stilo, Bell Racing, Schuberth, and Arai worked with the FIA in the construction of the new helmet. The main change seems to be the shortened visor in the helmets. Therefore, the intention is to provide further protection for drivers involved in heavy crashes, also, in the probable situation of debris falling into the cockpit.
Bell Racing Helmets Chairman, Stephane Cohen, said: “We’ll expand the area of testing compared to what we currently enjoy. Finally, it means that we can say there’s a better overall protection with those helmets. Therefore, the FIA will be at the forefront of helmet protection technology. This is the most advanced standard in the world without any possible discussion.”
Throughout motorsport history, many changes have been made to helmets and equipment regulations. The FIA is aiming to make the sport safer and to help the drivers in a dangerous situation. The introduction of the Halo system in 2018 was another major change to improve safety standards.
FIA Equipment Regulations
Here is the complete list of FIA safety equipment regulations, in addition to helmets, racing suits, and other important safety equipment are included.
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