Formula 1 is one of the sports that strictly adheres to its traditions. Even a small change can have a big impact. Although converting open cockpits to closed cockpits is a big change contribution to safety isn’t it worth it?

Due to this vulnerability alone, many pilots have serious accidents those who lost their lives It even happened. An enclosed cockpit was brought forward after each accident, but was not implemented. But why?

Although cockpit safety was continuously increased, it was never possible to switch to an enclosed cockpit.

Racing drivers such as Dan Wheldon, Henry Surtees, Jules Bianchi, Maria De Villota and Felipe Massa; In the history of Formula 1 very dangerous accidents they passed. Bianchi’s accident, the image of which is given above You can watch it on YouTube by clicking the link.

Fernando Alonso in his press statement after Bianchi’s fatal accident “At least closed cockpit We need to assess, try or test the idea. We have technology, we have airplanes, why wouldn’t we think? In recent motorsports The biggest accidents are all head injuries.” he said.

Safety in the cockpit has continuously improved over the years.

For example, previously the driver’s shoulders and upper body were visible even from the side of the vehicle They didn’t even have seat belts. As you can see in the picture above, it almost looked like bumper cars at an amusement park.

Safety measures were increased as accidents occurred. Helmet visors have been made smaller by placing them lower. Moreover, by adding a carbon fiber strip on the visor they tried to protect the driver’s eyes and forehead.

Now we can only see part of his head, but this has still not prevented accidents with serious consequences. After every accident closed cockpits Even though the weather is on the agenda, open cockpits are still preferred.

There are several reasons why open cockpits are still used.

Nowadays these are usually open cockpits Thanks to tradition it continues to exist. Seeing the driver’s car from the camera above his head feels like a unique experience.

It also offers the advantage of recognizing the pilot’s identity. Your favorite racer’s helmet, It becomes distinctive and you can tell two team cars apart. “Can’t other ways be developed to separate drivers from each other?” One cannot help but think.

While keeping the excitement alive, the idea is to increase safety.

Moreover, there is another element that adds excitement to Formula 1 racing be dangerous. The race, which offers plenty of excitement for the public and pilots, can take the adrenaline rush to the next level with open cockpits. But is it worth the risk to life? It’s debatable.

Another reason is that the driver can get out of a burning car faster. Preference for open cockpits. Reportedly, a vehicle with an open cockpit and seat belts would be safest.

Maybe slide backwards, an old-style aircraft canopy (transparent structure around the cockpit) could be an option. Obviously, this idea needs to be thoroughly considered by engineers, otherwise it could cause other security issues.

Is it so difficult to make closed cockpits?

No, actually it’s simple from a technical perspective. However, the appearance of the Formula 1 cars will change and this aesthetics, technology and safety It will lead to further discussions.

Also closed cockpits, It also affects aerodynamics. Adding a windshield to the vehicle automatically moves it to the center of the vehicle. extra weight Adding it changes the balance and requires redesigning the aerodynamics to regulate the airflow over it.

Formula 1 instead considered other options.

halo

Three main options were considered: closed cockpit, “halo” and “aeroscreen”. “Halo” consists of a spring-shaped piece of titanium that surrounds the pilot’s head body and is connected to the vehicle’s chassis at three points. According to simulations, this system prevents the driver from being injured in fatal accidents. chances of survival It increases by 17%.

Aero screen

Another alternative system is ‘aeroscreen’, we can also call it a kind of glass shield. This system International Automobile Federation He created another very similar system called “shield” because it was not considered suitable by the company, but some drivers complained that their eyesight was affected when a windshield with this design was added to their vehicles. We don’t even end up in rainy weather…

Will this mean there will be closed cockpits in Formula 1?

It looks like the closed cockpit will replace F1 tradition alternative methods is under development. While there has been no sign of a closed cockpit in recent history, we’ll see what happens in the future.

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