FÓRMULA-1

FIA reveals new helmet
The FIA ​​has introduced a new 'standard' helmet that will be mandatory in Formula 1 starting next year. It offers more safety and according to the FIA, has greater capacities to absorb energy.If there is an area where the FIA ​​does not rest, it is precisely that of safety, and in this particular way, new ways of 'enabling' the lesser pilots are likely to be thought of.This time the 'target' was the helmet, and among the various changes is the reduction of 10 mm in the upper part of the visor, so that it is possible to incorporate advanced ballistic protection, which aims to offer much greater protection against the possible impact of debris on the track. The changes also include a larger area of ​​protection on the sides, and composite materials were used to ensure they are strong but at the same time resistant to crushing and penetration.This helmet is called FIA 8860-2018 and according to the director of security of the FIA, Laurent Mekies, has the highest degree of protection because it offers better absorption of impacts and protection in a greater area of ​​the helmet. The FIA ​​has been working with various F1 supplier companies such as Stilo, Bell, Arai and Schübert and all of them will have their helmets ready in time for next season: "The current helmets are already the safest in the world, but this new standard will lift them to another level, "the FIA ​​statement read.

Get to know the tests to which the new helmet was submitted:
Standard Impact: Impact of the helmet released at 9 m / s. The maximum deceleration on the pilot's head should not exceed 275G.Low speed impact: Helmet impact at 6 m / s. The peak deceleration should not exceed 200G, with a maximum average of 180g.Low side impact: Helmet impact at 8.5 m / s. Peak deceleration should not exceed 275G.Advanced Ballistic Protection: 225g metal projectile fired at 250km / h. The deceleration peak shall not exceed 275G.Crushing: A weight of 10 kg was dropped to 5,1m of height on the helmet. Side and longitudinal tests were performed. The transmitted force must not exceed 10 kN.Helmet Penetration: A 4 kg pendulum was dropped on the helmet at 7.7 m / s.Visor Penetration: An air gun fires a 1.2g 'ball' at the visor. The ball can not penetrate the inside of the helmet.Visor Coating: Transmitter test to ensure that the color and vision can not be significantly modified or distorted.Retention system: Rolling and dynamic test to ensure the strength of the chin strap and its accessories.Linear impact of chin protection: Impact test with 'full' head at 5.5 m / s. The deceleration peak shall not exceed 275G;Crush and chin protection: Hammer to hit the chin guard, measuring the ability to keep the impact away from the head.

Mechanical resistance of the FHR (frontal head restraint): Test to ensure the high resistance of the frontal head restraint attachment points.

Surface projection and friction: Test to ensure the uniformity of the surface of the helmet and that friction is minimized. The surface of the helmet was also subjected to the 'Barcol' hardness test to test the resistance to penetration.
Flammability: Helmet exposed to fire with a temperature of 790ºC, which must be self-extinguished when the flame is removed.



José Luis Abreu-Sportauto, direto de Portugal