BT Infographics Speeding safely Since its inception in the 1950s, (F1) races have been clocking higher speeds with each season. With F1 cars zooming around at speeds exceeding 300kmh, rules have been constantly updated to ensure the safety of drivers. FIA, the governing body of motor sport, has decided to introduce a cockpit protection system that is due to take effect by the 2018 season.

The push for safety The solution Other ideas In 2016, FIA and F1 teams agreed to introduce cockpit protection in the wake of the Three partially-closed concepts were proposed. Shield by death of Jules Bianchi in 2015. The French driver had lost control of his car and crashed The Shield offers a clear windshield without into a tractor during the Japan Grand Prix in 2014, and sustained severe head injuries. any opaque surfaces as seen in the Halo, ‘We should at least check and try or test the idea of closed cockpits,” suggested but the curvature of the screen creates a Spanish driver . “All the biggest accidents in motor sport over the new set of issues. Following its showcase at last couple of years have been head injuries, so it’s probably one part Silverstone during practice for the British where we are not at the top of safety.” Grand Prix, said he felt dizzy during the test and had to abort it.

Halo by Ferrari Aeroscreen by Red Bull racing First proposed by Mercedes designers in Red Bull Racing first proposed the Canopy 2015, Ferrari developed and tested a similar concept, which included a clear windshield prototype during the pre-season tests in mounted on twin pillars connected on either early 2016. Largely criticised as unsightly, the Lower rear wing side of the cockpit, in March 2016. Although Halo features a ring mounted above the generates more the team found it useful, some observers drivers head with a frontal stay which partially downforce pointed out that the upper rim could be a blocks the driver’s view. The drivers were which in turn safety hazard if a driver banged his head split over this system. allows the car against that part of the canopy in a collision. to go faster.

Halo Driver fatigue It is secured at three points, one A driver’s concentration directly in front of the driver and can falter in the long heat two at the back of the cockpit. of the race and the car The titanium protection is might clip the barriers as named Halo because of its shape. a result. The circuit is lit by 1,600 lighting projectors positioned Cockpit safety to reduce glare and reflections. Teams opt The driver can be removed for clear visors to from the cockpit with the minimise glare. marshals lifting the entire seat, which reduces spinal injury risks. A data recorder also tracks speed and deceleration information for doctors to Tyres are around 25 per estimate the impact forces. cent wider than in 2016. The higher grip allows The driver is for higher speeds. surrounded by deformable protection areas

Made of carbon fibre and Zylon Vehicle monocoque (material in bullet-proof vests)

The front wing span has increased to 1.8m, with the overall width of the car Wheel tether increasing to 2m. Introduced in 1998, wheel tethers prevent the wheels from coming free and bouncing around on the track during an accident. They are attached to the chassis and the wheel hubs, and are replaced once every two to three races.

Number of driver fatalities by decade

11

9 8

2 2 1 was the year of drivers lost their lives United Kingdom marshals have the first recorded while driving an F1 car, has the highest been killed in 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 1952 F1 fatality. 51 the last case was in 2014.14 of fatalities. 5 F1-related accidents.

The road to F1 safety

1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2016 Cars were built First safety Permanent medical Tests are conducted The first safety Invented in the mid-1980s, Introduction of partially- purely for speed, measures centres at race to determine the car is offically the Head and Neck closed cockpit concepts with no regard introduced. circuits are made effects of frontal introduced. Support System (HANS) such as the Halo, the for safety. mandatory. impact on cars. is introduced in 2003. Aeroscreen and the Shield.

Safety on the track The medical car: Mercedes-AMG C63 S The : Mercedes-AMG GT S Mobile response teams consist Powered by a 4-litre twin turbo V8 engine, the Used when the race director wants to reduce speed of four salvage cars, two medical car is a handful to drive around the track. for safety reasons. Racers are not permitted rescue cars and two extrication It weighs almost 2 tonnes when fully loaded. to overtake it under any circumstances. teams. With the drivers specially The car is tested to the limits on Thursday A virtual safety car may be deployed via trained, these vehicles pre-practices to check the driver’s dashboard can reach any point of the for mechanical issues. if the situation is track within 30 seconds not too serious. upon deployment.

Sources: Motorsports.com, F1Fanatic.uk, Formula1.com, Redbull Racing Photos: Reuters and AFP BTGraphics: Alice Ang, Dawn Yip, Shazalina Salim and Ho Yan Hao