F1 Safety Systems — Presentation Script (4–5 minutes)
Slide 1 — Introduction
Good morning everyone! Today I’ll be talking about something that protects drivers at over 300 km/h —
F1 Safety Systems.
Before I start — how many of you have seen an F1 crash before? They look terrifying, right? But most
drivers walk away safely. That’s because of brilliant engineering.
Slide 2 — Personal Safety: Helmet, Driver Gear, HANS
1. Helmet:
Made of carbon-fibre layers, F1 helmets can survive a 240 km/h impact and protect the driver from
debris and fire.
2. Driver Gear:
Race suit, gloves and shoes made of Nomex protect drivers from fire for up to 20 seconds.
3. Neck Support (HANS device):
The HANS device prevents the head from snapping forward during sudden deceleration.
Interactive question: Which one would YOU want the most in a crash — helmet, fire suit, or HANS?
Slide 3 — Survival Cell + Wheel Tethers
1. Survival Cell:
A carbon■fibre survival capsule that stays intact even if the entire car breaks apart.
2. Wheel Tethers:
Strong cables that prevent tyres from flying off during a crash.
Fun fact: Each tether can hold the weight of an elephant!
Romain Grosjean’s Crash (2020)
Grosjean hit the barrier at 220 km/h, the car split into two and caught fire. But the survival cell stayed
intact, and combined with his fireproof suit and HANS, he climbed out alive with minor burns. A huge
proof of modern F1 safety.
Slide 4 — The Halo
The Halo is a titanium ring that can withstand 12 tonnes — about the weight of a London bus.
Short explanation: The Halo deflects heavy debris and protects the driver’s head.
In Grosjean’s crash, the Halo pushed the barrier apart and created space for him to survive.
Interactive: Would you feel safer with a halo protecting your head?
Slide 5 — Track Safety: Run-offs & Gravel Traps
Run-off Zones:
Open areas that slow the car safely. Asphalt run-offs let drivers control the car; gravel traps stop the car
quickly.
Gravel Traps:
They act like quicksand, sinking the tyres and reducing speed instantly.
Interactive: Would you rather slide on asphalt or sink into gravel during a crash?
Conclusion:
F1 safety works on four levels — personal safety, survival cell, halo, and track safety. Thanks to these
systems, even massive accidents like Grosjean’s become survivable.
Thank you! Any questions?