Alternative head protection system proposed to F1

A rather bold head protection system popped up in the recent Italian GP and was shown to key F1 figures after the sport has been conducting intensive testing on various solutions recently. However, the system's future is insecure due to its complexity.

Formula 1 has been working seriously on head protection systems after the sport identified it as one of its weaknesses in safety terms. The initial research has already begun a few years ago after Felipe Massa suffered a serious incident in the qualifying for the 2009 Hungarian GP and Henry Surtees, the son of the legendary MotoGP and F1 champion John Surtess, suffered a fatal accident in the same year.

After thorough computer, static and on-track testing, two solutions remained in contention for future introduction: the 'halo' and the windscreen-like system. Despite to the fact that the latter solution is aesthetically more pleasing and offers greater protection, it also raised doubts over drivers extraction in case of accidents, ventilation and its influence on airflow and turbulences over the cockpit towards the rear of the car.

It meant that the so called ‘halo’ protection was on its way to be introduced in 2017, but recent test showed that visibility problems and drivers extraction’s speed have to be analysed before it can celebrate its debut.

Surprisingly, a new solution was presented in the recent Italian GP. This has been developed by Enrique Scalabroni. The Argentinian race car designer worked for Ferrari, Williams, Dallara and Peugeot Sports before he set up his own race team in GP2.

The Argentinian has been working for many years on his own head protection solution. He began his research and design following Felipe Massa’s and Henry Surtees’ accidents. He managed to refine his concept and he now feels that it is ready to be pushed to the next step. However, the 67-year-old lacks of financial means to start real simulations and testing.

The solution is an active system, consisting of two separate elements. There is an active windscreen above the drivers legs which should protect the drivers’ head from flying wheels. The second element is a moveable hood over the drivers’ head.

To overcome the high aerodynamic influence of windscreens, this active panel is moveable and can be operated by manually and automatically. Either the driver can activate it when he foresees a possible incident or it can be activated by sensors which build a 3D chamber.

The hood is designed to protect the drivers from debris. It may be open sideways by the drivers or marshalls to unburden any issues regarding driver extraction following crashes or other incidents.

Scalabroni presented his solution to F1 Race Director Charlie Whiting, but he said that”nothing happened” afterwards.

He also showed the drawing to Red Bull boss Christian Horner, but the Briton said that it is up to the FIA to start working on the high-tech system if it finds it worth the investment. However, Horner is unsure whether the complexity of the new bold system could be overcome.

“It’s an interesting concept. It’s more for the FIA to consider than for the teams. It looked ambitious from what I’ve seen of the drawings and perhaps there’s a more simple solution that can be pursued. I think the positive thing is that moves are afoot to address it.”

“Everybody takes safety incredibly seriously and it’s important that the solution that we do come up with is the right solution and deals with all the issues like visibility etc, that some of the drivers are concerned about,” Horner added.