Formula 1 is one of the sports that strictly adheres to its traditions. Even a small change can make a big impact. Although turning open cockpits into closed ones is a big change, isn’t it worth its contribution to safety?
Just because of this security gap, many pilots had serious accidents and some even lost their lives. A closed cockpit was brought up after every accident, but it was not implemented. But why?
Although cockpit security was constantly increased, it was never possible to switch to a closed cockpit.
Racing drivers such as Dan Wheldon, Henry Surtees, Jules Bianchi, Maria De Villota and Felipe Massa; They have had very dangerous accidents in the history of Formula 1. You can watch Bianchi’s accident, the visual of which is above, on YouTube by clicking on the link.
In his press statement after Bianchi’s fatal accident, Fernando Alonso said, “We should at least review, try or test the closed cockpit idea. We have technology, we have planes, why shouldn’t we think? The biggest accidents in recent motorsport are all head injuries.” he said.
Cockpit safety has been continuously increased over the years.
For example, previously the driver’s shoulders and upper body could be seen from the side of the vehicle, and there were even no seat belts. As you can see in the image above, it was almost like bumper cars in an amusement park.
Security measures were increased as accidents occurred. Helmet visors have been made smaller by moving them lower. They also tried to protect the driver’s eyes and forehead by adding a carbon fiber strip over the visor.
Now we can only see part of his head, but this still has not prevented accidents with bad consequences. Although closed cockpits come to the fore again after each accident, open cockpits are still preferred.
There are multiple reasons why open cockpits continue to be used.
Today, open cockpits persist mostly due to tradition. Seeing the driver’s car from the camera above his head feels like a unique experience.
It also provides the advantage of recognizing the pilot’s identity. Your favorite racer’s helmet becomes distinctive and you can tell the two team cars apart. “Can’t other ways be developed to separate drivers from each other?” One cannot help but think.
While the excitement is kept alive, security is intended to be increased.
Moreover, another element that adds excitement to Formula 1 races is that they are dangerous. The race, which offers great excitement to the audience and pilots, may take the adrenaline rush to a higher level with open cockpits. Still, is it worth the risk to life? It is debatable.
Another reason is that open cockpits are preferred so that the driver can get out of a burning car faster. Allegedly, an open-cockpit vehicle with seat belts on would be safest.
Perhaps an old-style aircraft canopy (transparent structure surrounding the cockpit) that slides backwards would be an option. Of course, this idea should be thoroughly considered by engineers, otherwise it may cause other security problems.
So, is it so difficult to make closed cockpits?
No, actually it’s easy from a technical perspective. However, the appearance of Formula 1 cars will change, which will lead to other discussions in terms of aesthetics, engineering and safety.
Closed cockpits also affect aerodynamics. Adding a windshield to the vehicle automatically adds extra weight in the middle of the vehicle, changing the balance and aerodynamics need to be redesigned to regulate airflow over it.
Formula 1 considered other options instead.
Three main options were considered: closed cockpit, “halo” and “aeroscreen”. “Halo” consists of a spring-shaped titanium piece that surrounds the pilot’s head area and is connected to the chassis of the vehicle at three points. According to simulations, this system increases the driver’s chance of survival in fatal accidents by 17%.
Another alternative system is “aeroscreen”, we can also call it a kind of glass shield. This system created another very similar system called “shield” because it was not deemed suitable by the International Automobile Federation, but some drivers complained that their vision was impaired when a windshield was added to their vehicles with this design. We don’t even get into rainy weather…
As a result, will there be closed cockpits in Formula 1?
It seems that since the closed cockpit will change the F1 tradition, alternative methods are being developed instead. Although there is no sign of a closed cockpit in recent history, we will see what will happen in the future.
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