HARD HAT

The helmet must pass safety tests: a pointed 7lb metal weight dropped from 10ft must not pierce its tough shell, and the temperature inside must not exceed 70C when the helmet is blasted with 800C flames for 45sec

RACING BEAT

Heart rate soars to 200 beats per minute as a driver approaches difficult turns. At rest, F1 drivers have a pulse of under 60

FLAMEPROOF

The suit amounts to a high-tech piece of armour. Its most important job is to protect the driver from fire in case the car crashes and the fuel tank is ruptured. The overalls are made of 2-4 layers of the fireproof fabric Nomex

SWEATBOX

The heat is almost unbearable during an F1 race. The tyres reach boiling point, brakes become yellow-hot and the roaring engine is right behind the driver. Cockpit temperatures can reach 60C and the driver can lose 7lb in sweat due to heat and physical exertion

HOT HEAD

A balaclava, made of a fireproof fabric called Nomex, protects the head from intense heat. Only the eyes and nose remain uncovered – for vision and breathing

PAIN IN THE NECK

G-force multiplies the effective weight of head and helmet to 66lb during intense braking and cornering, straining the neck. Drivers must build up neck muscles with special exercises

BACK-BREAKER

The spine is subjected to up to 3G of compression force during braking. Cockpit vibrations also put massive strain on the bones of the spine, the back muscles and on spinal nerves – potentially causing long-term damage

WHAT A FEELING

Gloves consist of a double layer of Nomex with a reinforcing layer of leather on the inside. The gloves must provide protection while also allowing free movement of hands and fingers for operating the controls

SUPREME ATHLETE

Perfect physical fitness is essential to withstand the intense ordeal of F1 racing. Drivers are said to have the most finely tuned bodies on Earth – fitter than football players and leaner than athletes

HAPPY FEET

Nomex shoes must protect the feet without impairing touch, which is vital for the car’s only two pedals (accelerator and brake). A thin rubber sole provides excellent grip

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