Schuberth helmet factory
Autosport Plus
Special feature

Inside the meticulous process of creating Verstappen's cutting-edge F1 helmet

Modern Formula 1 crash helmets must comply with a 14-point testing process so demanding that only four manufacturers supply the entire grid. Schuberth showed OLEG KARPOV how it makes the likes of Max Verstappen literally bulletproof…

Precision is everything. The giant cutting plotter draws lines, cutting triangles, trapezoids, strips of different lengths and more intricate pieces – some of which resemble squashed earthworms – out of dense fabric. Every millimetre counts. The plotter’s programme is designed to ensure every square metre of material produces as many useful pieces as possible. Waste is kept to a minimum.

“These materials are very expensive, around 150 or 160 euros per square metre,” explains Schuberth Performance CEO Alberto Dall’Oglio, the ‘employer’ of this impressive machine, which is busy cutting out hypometric pieces and ‘worms’ from a roll of carbon fibre, to GP Racing. Here, in the small Italian town of Schio, about 70 miles west of Venice, Schuberth creates the high-tech protection equipment which cradles the heads of three current Formula 1 drivers, including reigning champion Max Verstappen.

Previous article Sainz hails "heroic lap" to top Q1 after brake issues in Austria F1 shootout
Next article The Aston Martin and Red Bull design cues behind McLaren’s F1 upgrade

More from GP Racing

The forgotten aspect of improving F1 engine efficiency 

The forgotten aspect of improving F1 engine efficiency 

Plus
Plus
F1 Formula 1

The forgotten aspect of improving F1 engine efficiency  The forgotten aspect of improving F1 engine efficiency 

The crucial detail that could determine Andretti’s F1 bid success 

The crucial detail that could determine Andretti’s F1 bid success 

Plus
Plus
F1 Formula 1

The crucial detail that could determine Andretti’s F1 bid success  The crucial detail that could determine Andretti’s F1 bid success 

How F1’s new cool customer vindicated his McLaren gamble

How F1’s new cool customer vindicated his McLaren gamble

Plus
Plus
F1 Formula 1
Abu Dhabi GP

How F1’s new cool customer vindicated his McLaren gamble How F1’s new cool customer vindicated his McLaren gamble

Why a departing stalwart was perfectly suited to F1's most pragmatic team

Why a departing stalwart was perfectly suited to F1's most pragmatic team

Plus
Plus
F1 Formula 1

Why a departing stalwart was perfectly suited to F1's most pragmatic team Why a departing stalwart was perfectly suited to F1's most pragmatic team

The multiple facets behind Sainz's growing stature at Ferrari

The multiple facets behind Sainz's growing stature at Ferrari

Plus
Plus
F1 Formula 1
Las Vegas GP

The multiple facets behind Sainz's growing stature at Ferrari The multiple facets behind Sainz's growing stature at Ferrari

How Andretti’s involvement could elevate the Las Vegas F1 experience

How Andretti’s involvement could elevate the Las Vegas F1 experience

Plus
Plus
F1 Formula 1
Las Vegas GP

How Andretti’s involvement could elevate the Las Vegas F1 experience How Andretti’s involvement could elevate the Las Vegas F1 experience

How F1 teams are attempting to negotiate Vegas unknowns

How F1 teams are attempting to negotiate Vegas unknowns

Plus
Plus
F1 Formula 1
Las Vegas GP

How F1 teams are attempting to negotiate Vegas unknowns How F1 teams are attempting to negotiate Vegas unknowns

The obstacles that make hydrogen unattractive for F1’s sustainability push

The obstacles that make hydrogen unattractive for F1’s sustainability push

Plus
Plus
F1 Formula 1

The obstacles that make hydrogen unattractive for F1’s sustainability push The obstacles that make hydrogen unattractive for F1’s sustainability push

Subscribe