How much does the suit, helmet and other elements of the clothing of a Formula 1 driver cost?
Motorsports is one of the sports in which technology is used in each of the elements that make up a car to make it as fast as possible, as well as in the clothing of the drivers to provide safety.
This makes motor sport one of the most expensive and even more so if we don't go to Formula 1, where state-of-the-art technology is used, to such an extent that the teams get involved in the development of vital tools, such as artificial respirators to face the point most critical of the COVID pandemic.
Today we can see drivers leaving their cars practically unharmed after mishaps that in other times would have cost their lives, such as the dramatic scenes of Fernando Alonso in Australia after a contact with the Mexican Esteban Gutiérrez or Romain Grosjean, who left between the flames at the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2020.
But as we said, it has not always been this way. Formula 1 had to go through complex episodes, such as the death of Ayrton Senna or the severe blow that Felipe Massa received in 2009, when a piece of Rubens Barrichello's car hit him at 270 kilometers per hour and punctured his helmet, for which which the Brazilian was induced into a coma.
Since then, the helmets have been subjected to multiple tests that guarantee the physical integrity of the pilots, including the visor, which is the most fragile part. This visor is tested to verify that the material withstands bullet impacts or crushing.
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How much does the clothing of a Formula 1 driver cost?
Beyond the materials that make up the clothing of an F1 driver during a race, the aspect that makes the cost so high are the studies, technology and testing and certification processes to which they are subjected, for what each driver carries " uniforms” that exceed 230 thousand pesos.
The helmet
That is why the helmet of a Formula 1 driver is valued at up to 170 thousand pesos, due to the technologies to which it is subjected and the material. A helmet contains up to 16 layers of carbon fiber, in addition to other fiberglass, lead and zylon plates.
But despite so many components, the helmet must be comfortable for the pilot, who also adds its design, which implies craftsmanship in small workshops. It is worth mentioning that a pilot can use up to one helmet per race, although usually the teams absorb the cost.
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jumpsuit or suit
It is the suit that we all see with the brands of the sponsors and that is in one piece, so that it covers the entire body, except for the feet, hands, neck and head. A rule of the International Automobile Federation is that each suit must contain shoulder pads that make it easier to pull the driver out of the car in the event that an accident leaves them unconscious.
The jumpsuit is made of up to four layers of nomex, a fire-resistant material used in firefighter uniforms, for example. These layers protect the pilot for 10 seconds at more than 400 degrees Celsius. This explains how Grosjean managed to get out of that fire in Bahrain and its value amounts to 40 thousand pesos, according to Alberto Longo, director of Formula E, who explained to us that in this category the same suit is used as in Formula 1.
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underwear and hood
Below the suit, the pilots wear a white suit as if it were made of lycra. It also has layers of nomex, which serves as extra protection in case of fire to protect the skin. Like the outer suit, it covers the entire body except feet, hands, and neck.
However, the neck is protected by a hood that covers the entire head, except the eyes, and its value is close to 10,000 pesos.
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Gloves
In addition to guaranteeing a greater grip on the steering wheel, the gloves serve as hand protection in case of fire, so they also have nomex layers, but they must also give the driver sensitivity to control the car and correctly press the buttons on the steering wheel. , so they have chamois.
This makes the gloves not as flame resistant as the overalls or suit, which explains why Grosjean suffered burns to his hands on the day of the accident. The gloves must be tailored to the pilots' hands, so the value amounts to 10 thousand pesos.
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Footwear
This is another of the most fragile elements, since they are made of rubber in the sole, since the pilot needs sensitivity to manipulate the brake. The side and front part is made of leather, which is previously treated with chemicals to repel fire. They do not have laces, but are made to fit the pilot's foot.
Do you remember that Grosjean also suffered burns on his feet? Well, it is precisely because, like the gloves, they have points of little protection to favor the pilot's sensitivity when driving and their value is close to eight thousand pesos. Would you buy a complete suit?
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