Formula One has advanced so much since 1970. In the previous century, many drivers have died at the wheel and this could have been avoided if seatbelts were worn. It is quite unusual but in the 1950s, the drivers preferred getting thrown out of the car rather than being confined to the cockpit in case of fire. Jackie Stewart received a lot of criticism when he pressed for the safety of drivers in the 1960s. It was only after 1972, the six-point seatbelt became compulsory.
Unlike the yesteryears, Formula One now prioritises safety. They have various types of safety equipment. To name a few, starting with the Helmet and fireproof suits to the HANS device which is a type of head restraint. The seatbelts in F1 are not like the regular ones. These harnesses are not worn just for safety but also for comfort, in this case, it is to be tightly strapped back into the seat so they don’t experience inconvenience while driving.
Formula One drivers have six to seven belts that strap them into the cockpit. This is identical to the ones found in fighter jets. There are two shoulder straps, two pelvic straps and two leg straps. The drivers don’t fasten their seatbelts due to limited space in the cockpit. When they are in the car, there is just a little space for them to move and operate it, in case of steering or reaching the buttons or switches.
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Six point seatbelts are a safety measure for the Formula One drivers
There is hardly any elbow room, the body is low and the legs are raised. The seatbelts go over the driver’s shoulders, around the waist and along the crotch to join in the buckle. The six point seatbelt/harness is sturdy enough to protect the drivers. But it is also made in such a way that it doesn’t hurt them in case of an accident. The seatbelts are made out of textile fibre polyester and woven mono fibres.
The belts have some important tasks, in case of a disaster, the belts should work with HANS to take in the impact energy and protect the driver from slamming into the steering wheel. The belts also protect the driver in high-speed corners and during braking, cornering and accelerating. To be efficient the belts have to be firm. During the Grand Prix, the driver experiences G-force which can go up to five times the force of gravity when he breaks into a hairpin bend. The seatbelts ensure that he is held back in his seat.
The seatbelts have a speedy unbuckling mechanism for the driver to get out of the car instantly if needed. If an accident were to occur, the driver will still be able to get out of the car as the seatbelts can be released with one rotation of the hand. Thanks to this invention and the push from Jackie Stewart, the lives of drivers are now safer than ever.
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