Formula One Technology Explained - Formula One Safety

Formula One uses some of the most innovative technology to power the cars to speeds in excess of 310km/h. To protect the drivers, team and pit crew, however, some of the world’s most advanced materials are employed to protect them from fire or impact.

Formula One drivers helmet

The outside of the helmet, often decorated in the colours of the driver’s national flag, is created by a single layer of fibre reinforced resin that completely covers the helmet, with the exception of the visor.

Under the outer shell there are up to 20 layers of carbon fibre cross-crossed and bound together by epoxy resin under extreme pressure and under a constant temperature of 132°C. Included in the criss-crossed layers of carbon fibre is a material called zylon which is used in bullet-proof vests, helpful in withstanding the ‘penetration test’ where a 3kg pointed object is dropped from 3m and is not allowed to penetrate the helmet.

The inside of the helmet is padded with deformable foam modules for the comfort of the driver, covered in a layer of Nomex material. This highly flame-proof material is critical in surviving the ‘flame test’ where the helmet is subjected to a flame of 800°C and the temperature inside the helmet is not allowed to exceed 70°C.

Formula One overalls

Nomex is a material that has revolutionised the safety of Formula One with its highly flame retardant properties. The overalls worn by both the drivers and the pit crew are made from this material to protect them from the potential dangers of extremely hot car parts and fuel.

Nomex is made up of a woven fabric that creates millions of tiny air pockets in the body of the suit. This slows the heat transfer from the outside to the person’s skin. There are typically two or more layers of Nomex in every overall, with air gaps between each layer to further enhance its heat resistance.

Also important in Formula One overalls, the person’s comfort is maintained through an inner ‘wick’ layer that draws moisture away from the skin to keep the drivers and crew cool even at Bahrain or Melbourne. The Nomex suit design is so efficient that the overall isn’t affected by an open flame of even 400°C and when exposed to temperatures of 800°C the inner layer only suffers minor ‘scorching’.