How F1 helmets are made – with Bell Racing

They’re essential pieces of safety kit, made from specialised materials. But F1 helmets do far more than just protect the driver. F1 Explains explores helmet design, testing and technology with Stephane Cohen, co-CEO of Bell Racing – the company which makes helmets for 13 current F1 drivers.

Stephane tells Katie Osborne and Christian Hewgill how Bell make helmets that are strong and light, visors that don’t fog up and why a car update can require helmets to be modified.

Plus, hear how F1 helmets differ from those worn by the stars of the NFL.

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Learn more about F1 with our previous episodes:

• Ask a Formula 1 Driver • – with Liam Lawson

• Inside the FIA Safety Car • - with driver, Bernd Mayländer

• How F1 video games are so realistic • - with EA SPORTS F124

• LIVE in Miami with Guenther Steiner • + F1 Explains listeners

Car setup with Fernando Alonso + Aston Martin • F1 race suits, boots, gloves + underwear • - with PUMA

• F1 brakes - technology + technique • - with Brembo + Jack Doohan

• The job of an F1 Team Principal • - with Aston Martin's Mike Krack

• Why F1 teammates are friends + foes • - with Valtteri Bottas + Zhou Guanyu

• How Formula 2 + Formula 3 prepare drivers for F1 • - with Oscar Piastri

• F1 Academy • - with Susie Wolff + Lia Block

• The F1 race start • - with Mick Schumacher + strategist Bernie Collins

• Behind the scenes on Drive to Survive • - with Exec Producer James Gay-Rees

• Why F1 pre-season testing matters • - with Mercedes, McLaren + Alpine

• How F1 teams build their new cars • - with Aston Martin Technical Director Dan Fallows

More Official F1 Podcasts

• For in-depth interviews with F1's biggest stars, listen to F1 Beyond The Grid •

• For race previews and reviews from inside the F1 paddock, listen to F1 Nation •

Experience Formula 1 live this season

Tickets for races in Texas, Las Vegas, across Europe and around the world are available now. Go to tickets.formula1.com to book your seats