F1 returns to China for the first time since 2019, so it is no surprise that some of the drivers and choosing to mark the occasion with one-off helmet designs. Doing so has been common place in Formula 1 for some time, with Sebastian Vettel famously changing his lid on a regular basis, something FIA moved to outlaw in 2015, allowing drivers just one helmet change per season. However, that rule was scrapped in 2020 amid widespread criticism from fans and drivers alike - thus providing F1 drivers with complete helmet freedom again.
Home races and first-time venues have become popular places for one-off designs to be displayed, with most in tribute of the host nation or to honour an iconic F1 driver, like Pierre Gasly's at Imola in 2020. Ahead of his maiden Chinese Grand Prix, home hero Zhou Guanyu has released the helmet he will be racing with this weekend, inspired by Shanghai's underground system and other famous landmarks in from China's most populous city.
1778656193936060742
🇨🇳 Chinese GP helmet! 🎨 Inspiration: Shanghai underground & landmarks, hope you like it! #ChineseGP #TeamZHOU pic.twitter.com/cCbD8p7F3I — 周冠宇 | Zhou Guanyu 🇨🇳 (@ZhouGuanyu24) April 12, 2024
Williams driver and known pet-lover, Alex Albon, has opted for a lid that pays tribute to China's national animal: the Giant Panda. It is not unusual for drivers to go for a fun choice, one that does not take them too seriously, such as Lando Norris' basketball helmet from the inaugural Miami Grand Prix, or even his follow up beach ball look from the same race in 2023.
1780249801503776772
Panda Power 🐼💪 Introducing Alex's special lid for the Chinese GP 🥁 pic.twitter.com/78d5lrDkqv — Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) April 16, 2024
Meanwhile, Mercedes' George Russell has returned to his red helmet roots with a design incorporating the red of the Chinese flag, with a dragon running along the bottom. The Briton gave up his original red helmet when he joined Mercedes to honour Michael Schumacher, but will return to the colour on this occasion.
1780509592130076873
China special edition helmet 🇨🇳 There are so many cool details I wanted to bring forward to celebrate being back here in Shanghai. It feels great to be racing in China again and I wanted to celebrate with something special, I hope you like it! Let me know what you think. pic.twitter.com/wf965EnQkc — George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) April 17, 2024
It is not yet known if more drivers are following suit, but with three great designs from three, RacingNews365 wants to know which is your favourite. Vote in our poll below .
Most read
