Written by Silvia Cojocaru, Edited by Rohan Brown
Formula One is still a dangerous sport, but it has come a long way in terms of safety. From the introduction of the halo to barriers and run-off areas, motorsport is actively trying to evolve in order to protect the drivers, crew and the public.
One of the mandatory measures that teams need to comply with are crash tests. Since they were first introduced in 1985, they have changed drastically over the years.
From just one frontal crash test 30 years ago to a series of about 18 tests in 2025. When they were initially put in place, these evaluations had to be completed before the first race.
Although, as of 2012 cars must be cleared of all tests before being allowed to run in pre-season testing.
So, what do they entail? In short, these are a series of checks which simulate impacts to different areas of the cars. This means that teams have to ensure that they have a car that is strong enough to protect their drivers in the case of a crash.
According to the FIA’s 2025 technical regulations, the areas tested can be categorised as follows:
Survival cell frontal impact crash test
This test will be carried out by placing an aluminum plate in front of the survival cell, a dummy inside and filling the tank with water. Fire extinguishers must also be fitted in the car.
The teams Teams have to ensure little survival cell displacement (maximum 425mm) and no damage to the dummy or fire extinguishers.
This test will also have to be completed twice: firstly with the car intact, and then with the car already damaged.
Roll structure testing
This is meant to ensure driver safety in the case of the car being turned upside-down and rolling on the ground.
As a result, the rollover bar (the highest point of the car), is subjected to one of two tests, which will be allocated randomly.
These include a ‘Centreline Test’, where a heavy load will be placed vertically downward on the structure, and a Lateral Test, where weight is placed laterally inward.
Survival cell load tests
This series of tests are meant to measure the integral strength of the car. Teams have to report as little damage as possible to individual parts of the survival cell, such as the cockpit floor and sides.
An additional test also ensures that, in the case that the engine separates from the survival cell, the main structure of the cell does not get significantly damaged.
Side, front & rear impact structure
A Formula 1 car is designed in order to absorb as much impact as possible when it crashes.
Therefore, the front and rear are meant to collapse on impact, just as the deceleration process on regular street cars. The sides absorb impact with the help of a mechanism placed underneath the side pods.
Being such an integral safety measure, these parts undergo multiple heavy tests to assess their strength.
Steering column impact test
The steering column has to fit into certain regulations as well. This mechanism is tested with the help of a rounded object that is going to hit the centre of the column. Following the impact, two main aspects are checked.
Firstly, as much of the impact should be absorbed by the steering system and the steering column should collapse in a controlled manner in order to avoid harming the driver. Then, the steering should be at least partially functional.
Headrest load test
Just as the exterior of the car is meant to absorb impact, the headrest should do the same, lowering the amount of g-forces experienced by the drivers’ necks. In order to achieve this, the headrests are made with soft, compressible foam.
Not only are these tests necessary in order to ensure driver safety, but they also represent a great challenge for engineers and designers, who have to come up with new, creative ideas to keep their cars both fast and safe.
As for the upcoming 2025 season, Scuderia Ferrari have been confirmed as the first team to have passed the mandatory crash tests.
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