The Eighties
In the Eighties, the most significant safety development in Formula One racing is the monocoque. McLaren and Lotus are the first teams to make safety cells out of carbon fibre, which provides considerably more impact protection than the aluminium composition used previously.
1981:
- The safety cell is extended to include the driver’s foot area.
1984:
- Refuelling during the race is prohibited, and the fuel tank must be located between the driver and the engine.
1985:
- Initial crash tests are used to determine the effects of frontal impact.
1986:
- Helicopters must stand ready for circuit medical personnel.
1987:
- The FIA regulates safety on permanent racing tracks.
1988:
- Crash tests for the safety cell and the fuel tank.
- The driver’s feet must be behind the front axle.
1989:
- Safety walls must be at least one metre high, and the pit wall must have a minimum height of 1.35 metres.
- Doping tests are introduced similar to those of the International Olympic Committee.
