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Addressing Driver Safety in Formula E
The FIA has taken significant steps to enhance driver safety in Formula E, particularly focusing on the issue of hand injuries that have become increasingly common during the Gen3 era. Over the past two years, several drivers have suffered hand fractures, prompting a thorough investigation and subsequent modifications to ensure better protection.
Robin Frijns of Envision and Sam Bird of McLaren are among those who have experienced hand injuries, with the steering wheel playing a critical role in these incidents. This concern was highlighted in a short film released by the FIA titled “Adopting a Hands On Approach to Driver Safety,” which outlines the changes made in collaboration with Spark Racing Technology to improve safety throughout the season.
Bruno Franceschini, the FIA’s medical delegate, acknowledged the unusual nature of these hand fractures. He noted that feedback from drivers and their experiences in the car led to discussions with the FIA’s safety department. “I realized that we have these hand fractures which are not usual,” he stated during the documentary. “I know the drivers very well and I had feedback from them and looking at what they are saying to me, and the feeling they have in the car, I spoke with the [FIA’s] safety department telling them there is something to do.”
To address the issue, several modifications were introduced. These included changing the shape of the steering wheel, adding foam patches to the side of the cockpit, modifying the front wing’s design to offer more protection, and introducing a new steering damper. The steering damper, implemented for the 2024-25 campaign, helps absorb energy from accidents and reduces the peak rotational speed of the steering wheel by up to 40%. Since its introduction, there have been no reported hand injuries.
Sam Bird, who has experienced such an injury, praised the FIA’s efforts. “The FIA took note and have gone above and beyond in order to ensure that these kind of crashes and these things don’t happen anymore,” he said.
The documentary “Adopting a Hands On Approach to Driver Safety” is available on the FIA’s YouTube channel and features interviews with various personnel involved in the development of these safety measures. It provides insight into the collaborative effort between the FIA and Spark Racing Technology to make Formula E safer for drivers.
Key Safety Modifications Introduced
- Steering Wheel Design: The shape of the steering wheel was modified to reduce the risk of injury.
- Foam Patches: Added to the side of the cockpit to provide additional protection.
- Front Wing Adjustments: The design of the front wing was changed to offer better protection to the wheels.
- Steering Damper: Introduced to absorb energy from accidents and reduce the rotational speed of the steering wheel.
These changes reflect the FIA’s commitment to ensuring the safety of drivers in Formula E. By addressing the root causes of hand injuries and implementing practical solutions, the organization continues to prioritize driver well-being. The success of these measures is evident in the absence of hand injuries since the introduction of the steering damper, showcasing the effectiveness of the FIA’s approach.
