Carlos Sainz conducts key experiment at Bahrain F1 testing

Williams driver Carlos Sainz is testing a Stilo helmet in Bahrain as he prepares for the new season.

The Spaniard is experimenting with the Italian company's product, but there is a good chance that the Spanish driver will become a customer of the manufacturer.

Until recently, Sainz used Bell helmets, and he wore the manufacturer's product during last week's test in Bahrain. 

But in a personal switch-up, he is now trialling the Stilo helmet in the current test, as can be seen in a photo on the team's social media page.

RacingNews365 understands that no decision has yet been made on whether Sainz will join Stilo's customer base, but it is telling that he is continuing to experiment with the most important piece of racing equipment in the final stages of the pre-season period.  

If Sainz joins the Italian marque, Stilo's F1 roster could expand to three as it already supplies Lance Stroll and the returning Valtteri Bottas.

Bell remains the most popular helmet manufacturer, with 14 customers in the field. 

Schuberth has also increased its number of partners for this year: Max Verstappen, Nico Hülkenberg, and Isack Hadjar have been joined by returning Sergio Perez and rookie Arvid Lindblad.

As Yuki Tsunoda switched from Arai to Bell during last season, the Japanese helmet manufacturer is not represented among the drivers, but Jack Doohan, who signed with Haas as a reserve driver, remains a customer of the brand.