Source: REUTERS/Edgar Su
[Saba Sports News] Formula 1 (F1) stands as the pinnacle of annual track racing competitions, overseen by the International Motor Sports Federation. Alongside the Olympic Games and the World Cup, it ranks as one of the “three major sports events in the world”. F1 racing embodies a fusion of technology, teamwork, precision timing, and driver prowess. An exceptional F1 car comprises roughly 20,000 parts of varying sizes. Its 1.6-liter V6 turbocharged engine churns out over 700 horsepower. With an overall mass exceeding 700kg, these racing machines accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in just 2 seconds, reaching top speeds surpassing 350 kilometers per hour. However, the immense velocities attained in F1 also entail significant safety risks for drivers. A defining characteristic of F1 cars is their fully open cockpits, leaving the driver’s head exposed. Despite the protective measures afforded by helmets, fatalities resulting from high-speed collisions remain a tragic reality. To mitigate these risks and safeguard drivers’ lives, the International Motor Sports Federation mandated the use of a black “Halo” in 2018, aptly named for its resemblance to the protective structure of a sandal. Composed of titanium alloy with a 50 mm diameter, the Halo features three pillars welded directly in front of the cockpit and behind its left and right sides. Its primary function is to absorb the immense impact of a collision, shielding the driver from severe head trauma. Weighing 7kg, this safety device can withstand a weight of 12 tons, equivalent to that of a double-decker bus. Calculations suggest that the Halo system can theoretically improve a driver’s survival rate by 17% in the event of an accident. To date, the Halo system has reportedly saved the lives of at least four F1 drivers.