Formula 1 is a historically dangerous sport due to its high-speed crashes and high g-forces experienced, which have created risk for acute and long-term injury. However, research on injury prevention strategies remains underdeveloped. This review analyzes the current literature on crash forces and their mechanisms to cause injury, and the evolution of safety interventions in motorsport, focusing on Formula 1. Despite advancements in protective measures like helmet technology and restraint systems, which led to a reduction in injury rate, gaps remain in real-time biometric monitoring, standardized post-crash assessment, and cumulative impact assessment. Future directions aim to integrate smart helmets with impact sensors, track longitudinal health, and develop a Crash Impact Risk Index (CIRI). While centered on Formula 1, these approaches extend to other high-risk athletic settings in general, demonstrating the combination of engineering, sports medicine, and biomechanics in a comprehensive route to injury prevention and safety improvement.
BraithwaiteJGeffkenSModicaA, et al.A comprehensive review of post-traumatic injuries among Formula 1 drivers from 1950 to 2023: an epidemiological study. JAAOS Glob Res Rev2025; 9: e25.00055. doi:https://doi.org/10.5435/JAAOSGlobal-D-25-00055
KarapetkovSUzunovHDechkovaS, et al.Impact of inertial forces on car occupants in a vehicle-fixed barrier front crash. Symmetry (Basel)2023; 15:1998. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/sym15111998
5.
TencerAFKaufmanRMackC, et al.Factors affecting pelvic and thoracic forces in near-side impact crashes: a study of US-NCAP, NASS, and CIREN data. Accid Anal Prev2005; 37: 233–241.
6.
YangJ. Review of injury biomechanics in car-pedestrian collisions. Int J Veh Saf2005; 1: 1–3.
7.
YoganandanNPintarFA. Biomechanics of human occupants in simulated rear crashes: documentation of neck injuries and comparison of injury criteria. Stapp Car Crash J2000; 44: 189–204. doi:https://doi.org/10.4271/2000-01-SC14
8.
StemperBDShahASPintarFA, et al.Head rotational acceleration characteristics influence behavioral and diffusion tensor imaging outcomes following concussion. Ann Biomed Eng2015; 43: 1071–1088.
9.
EvansV. Newton's laws, G-forces and the impact on the brain. Australas J Neurosci2020; 30: 24–29.
10.
DeakinNHutchinsonP. Concussion in motorsport: incidence, awareness and future directions. Concussion2017; 2: 0004. doi:https://doi.org/10.2217/cnc-2017-0004
MedlandCAdamsI. The blackest day (Senna/schumacher). In: Palmer C (eds) The sporting image: what if? An anthology of creative writing based upon real-life events in sport. Preston (UK): SSTO Publications, 2010, pp.259–266.
GreybeDGJonesCMBrownMR, et al.Comparison of head impact measurements via an instrumented mouthguard and an anthropometric testing device. Sports Eng2020; 23: 12.
JadischkeRVianoDCDauN, et al.On the accuracy of the head impact telemetry (HIT) system used in football helmets. J Biomech2013; 46: 2310–2315.
26.
BeckwithJGGreenwaldRMChuJJ, , et al.Timing of concussion diagnosis is related to head impact exposure prior to injury. Med Sci Sports Exerc2014; 45: 747–754.
RodasGGonzalezJR. Sportomics: Futbol Club Barcelona’s approach to personalized injury prevention. Apunts Sports Med2024; 59: 100445. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apunsm.2024.100445
29.
MayJMAngileriHSMcLoughlinDE, et al.Decreased concussion incidence following the implementation of the targeting rules: updated epidemiology of NFL concussions from 2017 to 2022. Cureus2023; 15: e50997. doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.50997
