In Pictures: A visual representation of how F1 drivers actually fit into their cars
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Sergio Perez in his Red Bull
One of the most customisable parts of an F1 car, which, just like other parts, needs to be carefully designed, is the driver’s seat. An average seat weighs around 3 kgs and is made of carbon fibre.
The seats are designed at the start of the season. The driver sits in the open frame of the car and the software captures the details of the posture. When a mould is printed out of that design, a seat is made, and to fit into it, the drivers are expected to keep the same weight, and muscle mass as the chassis of the car would be affected in case of the body changes too much physically.
Once the seat is ready, it is fitted into the car at a really low level. It is made with the driver’s comfort in mind, and changes can be made to add neck and torso comfort. When a driver sits down, the legs are nearly on the same level as the head. The driver is then strapped in with belts made of the same quality as that of air force fighter jets’ belts.
Why do F1 drivers sit so low and close to the ground?
The F1 cars are designed to run at super speeds, touching as high as 225 mph. But what makes them unique is their ability to go fast on the turns as well.
To turn at high speeds, it becomes essential to stick and stay low to the ground, to gather more downforce. Drivers are made to sit the way they do for aerodynamic purposes as they have to reduce the drag force. The lower they sit, the lesser the resistance they feel and the more of the centre of gravity.
Max Verstappen keeping Red Bull on its toes despite registering yet another victory in Miami
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