Formula 1

Video showcases the evolution of the racing helmet

Published Nov. 15, 2016 2:00 p.m. ET

Samuel Reiman

It’s not even a question now. If you go out on a racetrack, you know you’re going to have to wear a helmet, and likely a DOT or Snell-approved one at that.

Yet even one of those may not boast all the features that you see Lewis Hamilton or Kyle Busch wearing in today’s professional motor races.

Modern racing helmets allow drivers to communicate with their teams, take a drink during the race, escape from fires, prevent fog, please sponsors and - of course - walk away from the most spectacular of racing accidents.

As for the first “helmet” in 1908, well, it would help stop you from getting dirt in your hair.

Watch the above video from Donut Media to see how it’s all came about.

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