Source:REUTERS/Marton Monus
[Saba Sports News] F1 is currently in its summer break, with drivers enjoying their vacations, but Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc hasn’t taken any time off. He made a video explaining to fans the role and usage of the HANS system. The HANS system, short for “Head And Neck Support,” is a protective system designed specifically for motor sport athletes. It greatly reduces the impact force on a driver’s head and neck during a crash by restricting forward head movement. The introduction of the HANS system was prompted by lessons from major accidents in F1 history, such as the tragic death of renowned driver Ayrton Senna during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. In 2003, the FIA mandated the use of the HANS system in competitions to protect drivers’ head and neck areas. The system is primarily made from carbon fiber, making it lightweight but costly. A professional-grade HANS system weighs about 500 grams and costs around $1,400, while a standard-grade one, made from reinforced thermoplastic, weighs about 1,100 grams and costs around $560. Despite drivers strengthening their neck muscles through specialized exercises, the immense centrifugal forces in high-speed corners, as well as the intense G-forces during sudden acceleration and braking, can still cause serious neck injuries. Statistics show that wearing the HANS system reduces the impact force on a driver’s head and neck by 68% and 86%, respectively. Therefore, the HANS system plays a crucial role in protecting drivers.