Safety in Formula One
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Safety in Formula One has significantly improved since the inaugural Formula One World Championship in 1950. There have been major regulatory changes across different aspects of the sport in an effort to reduce the risk of fatalities and injuries. Many modifications to the design of Formula One cars have been influenced by safety concerns, specifically in the interest of protecting the driver. Driver protection is aided by various developments worn by the driver themselves, such as full-face helmets, head and neck support, racing suits, and seatbelts. The way that the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA)—the sport's governing body—responds to incidents also plays a crucial factor in ensuring safety, including the use of marshals and an on-site medical team. Further, the design of racing circuits have been modified to safeguard drivers and fans alike. This has been done by implementing barriers between the circuit and spectators, run-off areas, and occasionally adjusting the circuit itself. Many of these innovations were not present in the early days of the World Championship, in which fatalities were exceedingly common.