Formula 1 has a raft of important safety features that keep drivers from harm over a grand prix weekend. There are barriers across the circuit to absorb the impact of a crash, the halo device fitted to every car protects each driver’s head and medical teams are on hand for a quick dispatch if anything goes wrong.
Arguably, one of the sport’s most famous safety features is the iconic Formula 1 safety car, which leads the drivers on their parade lap before the race and is called on whenever there are hazards on track.
The F1 safety car is as much a part of the sport as checkered flags, dubious sponsors and Martin Brundle’s chaotic grid walks. But did you know, it hasn’t always been a mainstay of the grand prix?