International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395 -0056
Volume: 02 Issue: 07 | Oct-2015 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072
© 2015, IRJET ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal Page 433
Formula One Safety: A Review
Shubham R. Ugle
1
, Shweta D. Kate
2
, Dhananjay R. Dolas
3
1
B.E., Department of Mechanical Engineering, MGM’s JNEC Aurangabad (M.S.), India
2
B.E., Department of Mechanical Engineering, MGM’s JNEC Aurangabad (M.S.), India
3
Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, MGM’s JNEC Aurangabad (M.S.), India
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Abstract - This paper aims at defining and decoding
the various safety measures, precisely focusing on the
evolution of safety on Formula One racing track and the
usage of different color flags and their significance used
during the race for signaling the drivers. The first race
season of Formula One was held in 1950, it was a seven
race series which started on 13
th
May and completed on
3
rd
September. Back then the safety precautions were
not as good as they are today. Over the past few
decades the races have seen a great improvement
considering safety to be the first priority. Advancement
in science and technology has led to the decrease in
deaths or critical injuries to the drivers during the
racing. Safety equipment used by the drivers and the pit
crew also ensure the safety. A study was carried out by
Australian Grand Prix Medical Centre in the year 2011
which shows the reasons due to which the patients were
admitted in the center. So to prevent critical accidents
various techniques and safety measures are
implemented. It is crucial to follow the guidelines stated
by FIA not only by the drivers but also for the pit crew.
Key Words: Formula One, safety, flags, equipment,
regulations.
1. INTRODUCTION
Formula One racing is a great spectator sport. It includes
high speed cars and with high speed comes high risks of
not only critical injuries but also death. To overcome the
risk without losing the sport essence is an important
aspect; care should be taken to achieve these various
different strategies and techniques. FIA is the organization
which is responsible for the track safety including the
drivers, pit crew as well as spectator’s safety.
The various rules and regulations followed by the driver
and his team which are stated by FIA are in the paper. The
drivers are signaled by waving different color flags, each
flag has its individual meaning. Formula one racing is
admired by people all around the globe. The cars undergo
various kind of testing before using them in order to
ensure maximum safety of the drivers. It is crucial to know
the danger associated with Formula one in order to avoid
unwanted incident. To increase the safety efforts are being
taken in order to have minimum damage in case of an
accident.
2. HISTORY OF SAFETY
Safety being the major part of Formula one racing, the
safety measures or the mandatory rules taken along all the
years changes eventually.
1950-In this year the very first formula one world
championship was organized. The main focus in this race
was cars with high speed, this was achieved by designing
the cars with drum brakes and engine placed at the front
side of the car.
1955-Cars were redesigned and the position of engine was
in the middle and disc brakes were installed.
1960-1969-Safety measures were made known to
Formula one. Roll over bars, flag signals, dual brake circuit
is made compulsory. FIRA obligates for safety of the
drivers on racing track, Fire resistant suits for drivers are
made mandatory. Most important dual fire extinguishing
system is installed in all the cars.
1970-Survey of the tracks is carried out by the FIA officials
before any race begins. The track fence and audience
benches are at distance of 3meters apart.
1971-Reconstruction of cockpit to get the driver out of it
in less than 5sec.
1972-1979-Head rests for drivers are installed. Glowing
red color lights are placed at the back side of the car.
Health checkup of the drivers is made mandatory. Walls at
the track periphery becomes important part of the track.
FIA standardizes norms for fire resistant suit and helmet.