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Formula One: Mercedes-Benz, McLaren and the FIA Develop an Efficient Formula One Driver Protection System

9 April 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

IMOLA, Italy-- The Fdration Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), Mercedes-Benz and McLaren International presented the results of further development of the HANS (Head and Neck Support) driver protection system and as well as an airbag system suitable for use in Formula One race cars.

As a joint venture between the FIA, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren International in Stuttgart, the objective for the project -- which began on October 23, 1996 -- was to develop a driver restraint system for head-on and oblique frontal impacts, with a realistic crash angle of up to 30. A Formula 3000 monocoque with the 1998 Formula One cockpit dimensions served as crash test equipment for both systems. In the crash tests, HANS proved to be a particularly effective protection

system. In an accident, the head's extreme accelerated movements are minimized and the risk of dangerous neck strain is reduced. The driver's head is prevented from hitting the edge of the cockpit or the steering wheel during an accident.

"We are happy to take up the suggestion from the FIA of bringing our knowledge and our many years of experience of safety engineering for production vehicles to the

HANS project and possibly also further research projects," said Jrgen Hubbert, Member of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler. "We consider this to be a significant contribution towards making the fascinating sport of Formula One even more safe."

The basic HANS concept was invented by Dr. Robert Hubbard, professor at the biomechanic constructions research laboratory at Michigan State University. HANS is a rigid, collar-shaped carbon fibre shell that is held onto the upper body by the seat belts and fastened to the helmet with appropriate tethers. DaimlerChrysler presented a very light HANS prototype in composite material, weighing less than 700 grams.

"This is a major step forward in the search to introduce ever improved safety standards in Formula One," said Max Mosley, president of the FIA.

"It is particularly significant that this research has been carried out jointly with one of the world's major car manufacturers. This shows how motor sport is a research medium for the motor car industry not only for performance, but also for safety. I would like to thank everybody at Mercedes-Benz and McLaren, and Professor Hubbert in particular, for their efforts and contribution."

An advantage of the HANS system over the Formula One airbag, which was investigated in parallel, is that upon impact, the loads are transmitted evenly across the forehead instead of to the chin. Furthermore, since the driver's seating position in a race car is almost horizontal, an airbag cannot cushion the head and chest simultaneously, as happens in a road car. Consequently, the reduced neck strain achieved with an airbag system is not guaranteed in a Formula One car. With HANS, this problem does not exist. For this reason, the project of introducing an airbag in Formula One cars has been abandoned.

The HANS system was given a trial run by David Coulthard in the West McLaren-Mercedes MP4-13 during testing. Together with McLaren, further adjustments are currently being made to the HANS system to improve driver comfort. The FIA Safety Commission and DaimlerChrysler safety experts have recommended its introduction in Formula One.

The West McLaren Mercedes team and two-time defending Driving Champion Mika Hakkinen and teammate David Coulthard compete in the Formula One World Championship.

Text provided by Susan Schroeder

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