Why IndyCar chose Red Bull's screen that F1 rejected

Summary

IndyCar's 2020 cockpit protection device, developed with Red Bull Technologies, combines elements from both F1's halo and an aero screen. After the tragic death of Justin Wilson, the project began quietly, with help from aerospace company PPG. While originally inspired by Red Bull’s 2016 F1 prototype, which failed due to strength issues, the IndyCar version now features a robust hybrid design with a titanium halo structure for better safety against large and small objects. The device has passed rigorous testing, offering enhanced protection while maintaining the car's traditional appearance. This innovation may also influence future F1 safety designs.

Takeaways

• 😀 IndyCar has introduced a new cockpit head protection device in 2020, designed to enhance driver safety.
• 😀 The design, a hybrid of Red Bull's 2016 F1 prototype and new innovations, is more robust and effective than previous IndyCar solutions.
• 😀 This initiative was sparked by the tragic death of driver Justin Wilson and was supported by aerospace company PPG.
• 😀 The cockpit protection device was developed and tested over a period of five years, with input from driver Gabby Chavez in the simulator.
• 😀 Initially, IndyCar's early prototypes faced issues such as cooling distortion, which were later addressed.
• 😀 The Red Bull concept, which IndyCar ultimately adopted, was initially rejected by F1 due to insufficient strength but was later improved for IndyCar use.
• 😀 The new IndyCar protection includes a titanium frame, improving its strength and effectiveness against both small and large objects.
• 😀 The device combines features of both the halo (to protect against large objects) and an aerodynamic screen (to block smaller debris).
• 😀 In terms of structural strength, the new IndyCar device is reported to be as strong as the halo, making it a comparable option for safety.
• 😀 IndyCar's hybrid solution is designed to maintain the traditional appearance of its cars while integrating advanced safety features, unlike the more invasive halo in F1.
• 😀 The development of this device in IndyCar may influence other racing series, including F1, to explore similar cockpit protection solutions in the future.

Q & A

What prompted the development of the new cockpit protection device for IndyCar?

The development of the cockpit protection device was prompted by the tragic death of driver Justin Wilson in 2015, which led IndyCar to seek solutions to improve driver safety.

How did PPG, an aerospace company, become involved in the development process?

PPG approached IndyCar with ideas for cockpit protection after the media reports surrounding Justin Wilson's death. The company, known for making canopies for fighter jets, offered its expertise to IndyCar in developing the device.

What role did Gabby Chaves play in the development of the cockpit protection system?

Gabby Chaves was involved in the project by regularly using a simulator to help IndyCar correlate their findings during the development of the cockpit protection system.

What challenges did the IndyCar team face in the early stages of testing the protection device?

In the early stages, the team faced issues with cooling distortion and other problems, but they worked on refining the design and planned to fix these issues before reintroducing the device.

Why did IndyCar decide to use the Red Bull-designed cockpit protection system?

IndyCar decided to use the Red Bull-designed system because it proved to be a more effective solution for protecting drivers, especially after it became clear that the initial versions of the device were not as strong or effective as needed.

What was the reason the Red Bull cockpit protection device was rejected by Formula 1 in favor of the Halo?

The Red Bull device was rejected by Formula 1 because it was not strong enough at the time. It was found to be only about 10% as effective in certain crash scenarios compared to the Halo, especially in protecting against head injuries from large debris.

How is the new IndyCar cockpit protection system different from the F1 Halo device?

The new IndyCar system combines a protective screen with a titanium Halo-like structure, providing better protection against smaller objects while maintaining the robustness of the Halo design to protect against larger impacts.

What are the advantages of the IndyCar cockpit protection system over the F1 Halo?

The IndyCar system is considered better at protecting against smaller objects, which the Halo has limitations in, such as debris or small parts that could cause injury. The hybrid design also avoids some of the visibility issues that the Halo poses in F1.

How does the design of the IndyCar protection system ensure driver visibility?

The design of the IndyCar protection system was carefully crafted to ensure that the driver’s line of sight is not obstructed, unlike the Halo in F1, which can interfere with a driver's ability to judge corners while turning.

What is the future of cockpit protection in motorsport based on this development?

The future of cockpit protection in motorsport is likely to involve further evolution, with both screen and Halo-type systems being refined for better safety and integration. The IndyCar system could influence F1 and other series, providing better protection for drivers while preserving the aesthetics of the cars.