A new generation of helmets in F1 from 2019
Helmets providing increased safety for drivers will be made mandatory in F1 starting from next season. According to the FIA, this new type of helmet will be introduced in other championships it oversees in the coming years.
The FIA has officially announced a new standard called FIA 8860-2018 in the field of helmets, which will be mandatory in Formula 1 starting next year and then in other championships governed by the institution.
The specific goal of this new regulation is to increase the protection provided to drivers by their helmets, with notably improved ballistic protection, enhanced energy absorption, and an expanded protection area compared to today.
The studies to achieve the adoption of this new generation of helmets were conducted in collaboration with four specialized manufacturers in the field: Stilo, Bell, Schuberth, and Arai. Each of the four manufacturers will have to deliver their new type of helmet for next year.
The specific characteristics of this new FIA 8860-2018 standard are as follows:
– The top of the visor opening has been lowered by 10 millimeters to incorporate advanced ballistic protection that allows for unprecedented levels of safety during impacts with debris.
– Des zones de protection étendues sur les côtés pour offrir une compatibilité avec les derniers appuie-tête des monoplaces et le système de Halo, garantissant que la gestion de l’énergie est exactement située dans les zones où les appuie-têtes sont positionnés.
– L’utilisation de matériaux composites avancés pour s’assurer qu’ils soient non seulement résistants mais aussi efficaces face à l’écrasement et à la pénétration.
– Les méthodes d’essais comprennent des vitesses d’impact variables pour tenir compte des différents accidents et une gamme de poids pour tenir compte des différents gabarits de tête.
