Safety in Formula 1

Safety is of paramount significance in the design of formula 1 cars. After the death of Ayrton Senna back on May 1, 1994, there has been no fatal accident.Some of the features that ensure safety of the formula 1 driver are:

Nose:

This is the front pary of the formula 1 car. It is subjected to front and lateral crash tests. Its design is very important from aerodynamic point of view, as an efficent nose reduces drag, But, the nose also functions as a protruding structure which bears the brunt of the impact, thus protecting the driver.

Figure 3 shows the nose of a Formula 1 car

Fire extenguisher:

Every Formula 1 car must have a fire extinguisher that spreads foam around the chassis and engine area.It must be operable both by the driver and from outside the car.

Monocoque:

It is the safety shell made of carbon fibre composite which forms a protective shell around the driver. It is surrounded by deformable structures which absorb energy on an accident.

Figure 4 shows the monocoque of a Formula 1 car

Safety Car:

In Formula 1, a safety car (also referred to, especially in other motor sports, often in America as the pace car) is a car which limits the speed of competing cars on a racetrack in the case of a major accident or obstruction on the track.If an accident or heavy rain prevents normal racing from continuing safely, the Race Director or Clerk of Course will call for the marshalls to wave yellow flags and hold SC boards, warning drivers that the safety car has been deployed. For 2007, all Formula Cars must have LEDs fitted to the steering wheel, which inform the driver which flags are being waved. A yellow LED is illuminated when the safety car has been deployed.

The first use of the Safety Car in Formula One was at the 1973 Canadian Grand Prix

Figure 5 shows a safety car deployed during a race

Helmets:

The Helmets in formula 1 not only ensure safety for the driver, but also form an important aerodynamic component of the car.The Helmets are also tested in the windtunnel for aerodynamic effeciency. These helmets are designed according to the skull shape and size of the individual drivers.

These helmets have no less than 17 layers, and are made up of Carbon fibre Compounds. Thus, the resulting helmet is extremely light weight. This results in lesser strain upon the driver's neck.Due to efficient streamlining an increased horsepower of 10HP is available.

Figure 6 shows a Formula 1 Helmet

Conclusion:

Thus modern Formula 1 cars are a testament to man's prowess in engineering. An example can be found in the recent crash involving Robert Kubica at the Canadian Grand Prix. The BMW Sauber of Robert Kubica clipped the back of Jarno Trulli’s Toyota upon approaching turn 11. The front of the Sauber was up in the air as it approached the inside wall at high speeds. A crash was inevitable. The Sauber bounced off the inside wall, was catapulted into a somersault as the car hurtled across the track there by bashing again into the outside wall.But Robert Kubica was released from the Hospital the next day with an ankle sprain. He also competed in the British Grand and finished fourth. But, the Safety features of the formula 1 car are still under constant improvement.

> > Safety in Formula 1