Here's How Michael Schumacher's $20,000 Schuberth Helmet Changed F1 Forever
As motorsport enthusiasts, we're always in awe of the bravery and skill displayed by drivers on the track. However, it's not just the drivers who play a critical role in ensuring their safety. The equipment they use, including their helmets, can be the difference between life and death. In this article, we'll delve into the fascinating story of how Michael Schumacher's Schuberth helmet prototype, why it was so special, and how it saved Felipe Massa's life.
The Helmet
In 2004, F1 legend Michael Schumacher bought a helmet for €15,000. Judging by the price, you'd expect this helmet to be rather special, but this helmet was more special than anyone could imagine at the time.
It was made of multi-layered carbon-fibre and boasted incredible strength to the point where the company behind it, Schuberth, ran it over with a tank and it survived.
Due to its success, the technology in this helmet trickled down to the helmets built for other drivers, and has changed F1 as we know it.
How the Helmet Affected Felipe Massa
How did it change F1? Well, the helmet technology in question came in handy during the qualifying session of the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2009. Felipe Massa, who was driving for Ferrari at the time, was hit on the head by a piece of debris that had come off the car of another driver. The impact was so severe that Massa lost consciousness and crashed into a barrier at high speed.
Massa was rushed to hospital and underwent emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain. The incident sent shockwaves through the motorsport world, with many questioning the safety of Formula One. However, it was later revealed that Massa's injuries could have been much worse if not for his helmet that - you guessed it - used multi-layered carbon fibre.
Massa was wearing a prototype of the Schuberth helmet that had been developed with the help of Michael Schumacher, who was also an ambassador for the brand at the time. The helmet was designed to be more lightweight and aerodynamic than previous models, but still offered the same level of protection.
The Schuberth helmet had a carbon fibre outer shell and a multi-density foam lining that absorbed the impact of the debris. It also had a visor that was able to withstand the impact of a small bird at 200 mph, which was a requirement for F1 helmets at the time.
The Importance of Helmets
The incident involving Massa highlights the importance of helmets in motorsport. Not only do they protect drivers from impacts, but they also have to be comfortable to wear for long periods of time and not obstruct the driver's vision.
In recent years, helmet technology has advanced even further, with some manufacturers using materials such as Kevlar and Dyneema to make their helmets even stronger and lighter.