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The size of a Formula One car’s cockpit opening must comply with strict specifications. Compliance with these specifications is tested by lowering a specially made template into the cockpit.

In addition to this, the cockpit must meet numerous other requirements. A driver must be able to get in and out of the car without removing anything other than its steering wheel. Once strapped into the car with all his safety gear on, he must be able to remove the steering wheel and get out within five seconds, and then replace the steering within a further five seconds.

The car’s survival cell structure, designed to protect the driver in the event of an accident, must extend at least 300mm beyond the drivers feet, which must not be forward of the front-wheel centre line.