3D scan the heads of the drivers to tailor the F1 helmets
Helmets have become works of craftsmanship in Formula 1 and in motorsport in general. Every detail is carefully considered, and specialized companies are becoming increasingly attentive to comfort. Making a helmet is a complex task, especially as it must meet the desires of the drivers. They are even now made according to each pilot's head.
In Formula 1, helmets are pieces that may seem ordinary. Yet, some individuals think, ponder, and design every detail that constitutes this safety element. Nothing is left to chance. The drivers must be placed under optimal conditions. That is why helmets are now custom-designed.
Custom designed helmets
The process is rather long and goes through different stages. Several tens of people are also mobilized to create a custom-made helmet. A complex process that is reserved for certain companies, which ensure the comfort of the pilots.
To make a custom helmet, we do a 3D scan of the pilot’s head. This allows us to have the helmet fit like a slipper. You put it on your head and there’s no pressure. It’s made to be comfortable at all levels. An adult driver doesn’t change the shape of their head, unless they gain weight, declares Michaël Aumento, manager of Bell company, during our exclusive interview conducted in their workshop.
A handheld scanner can be used as an additional tool when creating a demonstration model for a potential driver interested in Bell helmets. In this case, the scan can be done at the hotel, for example. On the day the driver signs a contract with Bell Helmet, they will have the right to a more comprehensive scan with a much larger machine.
The participation of engineers
Following this 3D scan of the pilot’s head, the interior of the helmet was thoroughly examined to determine which elements should be changed and which should not. The part that takes the longest to choose is the protective foam. It’s what allows the driver to feel comfortable inside the helmet and avoid hitting the hard parts of the helmet.
« We are working with the engineers to determine whether to use a foam with a thickness of three, five, six, or nine millimeters. We can play around with all these options. When a foam with a thickness of six millimeters is compressed, it goes down to three millimeters, explains the Bell manager.
It is therefore important to find the right thickness of foam according to the riders. It may not be the same thickness for all riders. Michael Aumento prefers to work with thick foam, to keep the rider comfortable in his helmet.
« But I work more comfortably. I often add a little more foam so that it is even. I want the driver to not feel the hard part of the helmet, said Michael Aumento.
Customization also tailor-made
The customization of the helmet is also part of the discussions during the conception of a custom-made helmet. The design is chosen by the pilot, but the painting is indeed left to the manufacturer of the piece. Sometimes, certain drivers choose to entrust it to a professional painter, but this can reduce comfort and performance.
« By leaving it to us, we manage the weight a bit better. For us, the weight of the paint is very important. I prefer to have a helmet with 50 grams of paint rather than 100. Some painters don’t care because they want their helmet to look good. », explains the manager of Bell.
An additional weight that can be avoided since it will not serve to better protect the driver, or have better performance on the car.
« The heavier helmet will not ultimately provide more safety. So saving 50 grams on a racing pilot’s head makes a difference, concluded Michael Aumento.
