FIA halts in-season helmet design changes

At the most recent meeting of the F1 commission it was agreed that there will be a ban on helmet design changes during the season in an attempt to make it easier for fans to recognise the drivers.

The move is likely a reaction to a trend to change helmets more frequently, with Sebastian Vettel in recent years making it a habit to come up with a new helmet after every single race win.

The decision was taken by the governing FIA’s Formula One Commission, which met on Tuesday, one of those present confirmed to Reuters. It has yet to be ratified by the World Motor Sport Council.

“The FIA is keen to have stability so people can identify who is in the car,” said the source. “The new phenomenon of drivers changing helmet every few races isn’t helping.”

One can argue it was difficult for spectators, or a bit unnecessary, but a total ban from helmet changes also prevents drivers to write out design contests for a single-race helmet, like Montoya and Alonso have done in the past, or tribute helmets as Button's pink helmet for his father or Alonso's goodbye helmet in his final race for Ferrari.

While more important items were on the agenda at yesterday's meeting, decisions on major rule changes could not be agreed upon.