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Since their introduction, safety measures on Formula 1 circuits have continued to evolve. Let's now examine the various features of tracks designed to protect drivers.
A hidden network of safety measures ensures that every Grand Prix race proceeds without tragedy. It is based on three pillars that have evolved considerably over the last decade: the barriers lining the track, the people monitoring from the sidelines, and the spaces that allow a car to stop before hitting a wall.
The most visible advances are the Tecpro barriers that have replaced the old tire walls. Since their debut at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, these French-made modules, composed of polyethylene blocks connected by sturdy straps, have become the standard on karting circuits and Formula 1 tracks. Their secret lies in the way each block interlocks with the next, transforming a set of individual pieces into a single flexible unit. When a car collides, the energy of the impact is distributed throughout the structure, absorbing much more force than a stack of unconnected tires. The result is smoother deceleration, less rebound, and a reduction of approximately 40% in the G-forces experienced by the driver. This technology has already proven itself in incidents such as the spectacular collision between Aitken and Ghiotto in F2 at Sochi in 2020, and it was the first barrier to be awarded the FIA's “Certified” label. Equally essential, though far less glamorous, are the marshals who have been part of the sport since its first season in 1950. Most are volunteers, dressed in orange overalls, white vests, and helmets, and each is assigned a specific role. The post leader coordinates the team, firefighters stand ready to extinguish flames, as they did after Romain Grosjean's horrific accident in Bahrain in 2020, and track marshals use a system of colored flags to warn drivers of danger. Although their dedication is unquestionable, drivers have long called for a team of full-time professional marshals to accompany each team, especially after incidents such as the one in Imola in 2020, where local marshals remained on the track while backmarkers continued to lap. Regardless of the debate, the thousands of anonymous volunteers who closely monitor the action remain indispensable to the smooth running of the sport. The third piece of the safety puzzle is the run-off area, the open strip that runs alongside corners and straights. Originally, these areas were often gravel traps, which could slow a car down quickly but could also cause it to bounce or even roll over, as illustrated by Michael Schumacher's accident at Silverstone in 1999. Dirt, sand, and grass were tried as alternatives, but each presented its own problems, ranging from cars getting stuck to poor grip when wet. Modern circuits now favor asphalt run-off areas, a concept pioneered by Paul Ricard, where different strips of surfacing offer progressive levels of grip. The FIA's 2020 safety report recommends that future run-off areas be equipped with “high-grip anti-skid surfaces” to ensure that an out-of-control car can decelerate effectively without the dangers of previous designs.
Together, these three elements (flexible Tecpro barriers, dedicated marshals, and intelligently designed run-off areas) form the backbone of Formula 1's safety regime, which is constantly being refined to protect drivers, teams, and spectators. Anti-skid strips are expected to become a standard feature of every change implemented by the FIA from the 2022 season onwards. The safety car The safety car is always a topic of debate: should it be deployed or not? Should the race start behind it when the track is dangerous? Its main purpose is to protect everyone on the circuit. When conditions no longer allow drivers to race at full speed, the safety car intervenes to reduce risks and put an end to battles on the track. We spoke with Bernd Maylander to learn more about the demanding role of safety car driver. Cranes and tow trucks to remove single-seaters A broken-down or crashed car poses an immediate danger to other competitors, especially if it ends up on the race line. Circuits have therefore put procedures in place to quickly remove these obstacles. On many street circuits, such as Monaco and Baku, cranes are positioned at each corner so that a broken-down car can be removed in a matter of seconds. Tow trucks are also on standby at several marshal posts; they can only intervene after receiving authorization from the FIA. Depending on the situation, the vehicle is either lifted directly by the tow truck or by another mobile lifting device. Medical transport: ambulance, helicopter, medical car The first medical response is provided by the medical car driven by Ian Roberts. Equipped for basic first aid, this car is tasked with assessing the driver's condition and, if they can walk and sit up, transporting them to the circuit's medical center. In more serious situations, an ambulance is sent to the scene of the accident. The ambulance carries medical personnel and a stretcher, allowing the driver to be treated on site and transported safely to avoid aggravating their injuries. If the circuit doctor deems it necessary, a helicopter can transport the driver to the nearest hospital, weather permitting. If evacuation by helicopter is not possible, the Grand Prix is interrupted, regardless of the condition of the track. The medical rescue center Each F1 venue has a mini-hospital capable of treating a range of injuries, from basic first aid to full resuscitation. Ian Roberts, FIA doctor for F1 since 2015, oversees these facilities during the race weekend. The size and equipment of the center vary depending on the circuit; on street circuits, they are often attached to the nearest hospital. At Silverstone, for example, the medical team includes anesthetists, surgeons, nurses, paramedics, and radiologists. For a large-scale Grand Prix, the staff can exceed 100 people, including around 20 from the circuit's medical center. The Silverstone facility has four resuscitation beds, seven observation beds, an X-ray room, CT and MRI scanners, and a dedicated burn unit. Five ambulances and four rapid response vehicles positioned around the circuit complete the facilities.
