4. The Gears
The safety of F1 drivers has been the most important aspect to consider by the regulators. Therefore, since 1975, the FIA requires it to be flame retardant to protect the drivers in the event of a fire.
Back in the days, the driver’s clothing was a thick five layers NASA-spec race suits. Today, it is made of a lightweight artificial fiber from Nomex. This suit can survive 11 seconds in a temperature of 840 degrees Celcius. That is nine times hotter than a sauna.
The suit is not the only thing researched and tested for the drivers’ safety. The helmet, the underwear, the balaclava (underneath the helmet), the gloves, the boots, and even the zips are also using this Nomex technology.
The modern technology fireproof racing suit cost more than $1,000 per piece. And the most indestructible helmet is around $60,000 per piece. Safety first, budget later?
