Racing often at more than 300 kilometres per hour and capable of pulling in up to 5G in some corners, Formula 1 drivers must focus so much attention on staying in control that it can be difficult for them to express their individuality on the track. This is especially so when they are engulfed in the steel frame of the most advanced racing machine and protected by a fully flame-retardant body suit.
One of the only ways to showcase personal style in the world of Formula 1 racing is for drivers to customise their protective helmets. Unstoppable Vodafone McLaren Mercedes rookie, Lewis Hamilton has a unique helmet design that has evolved with him since his early days at the controls of a race car.
The initial design came from Hamilton's father who worked three jobs to support his son's burgeoning racing career. The doting dad wanted to be able to identify Hamilton easily as he zipped by so a bright colour was essential. The duo decided on yellow as the base colour with a red, blue and green ribbon effect circling the helmet. As Hamilton's career began to gain speed, he approached Jason Fowler, head designer of JLF design in the UK to take his helmet design to the next level.
Jason Fowler explained: "We've been painting Hamilton's helmets for about 8 years now. It started when he was racing karts, he was just starting to hit the big time and winning races and he approached us to paint his helmets. We were more than happy to work with him as we could see that he was a driver who was going to go far. His original design was done by his father who wanted something to stand out on the track so when he came to us, he just wanted us to add some input into it and make it more up to date, a little bit more colourful and more 3D, just something a bit more modern."
Although he always wants to stay true to his dad?s original design, Lewis feels it is important to keep updating his helmet so it will always evolve in step with his career. Hamilton elaborated: "I sit down at the end of the year and I have a look at my helmet and for sure there are always things you can improve on. I strongly believe it's important that you keep moving, designing and adding new bits to it.
"This year, I had to make a couple of adjustments to the ribbons on the side. I had to move them forward so we could find the perfect spot for the Johnnie Walker Striding Man logo. I have to say it fits in perfectly."
