Video: Eye-catching breakdown of how a Formula 1 helmet is tested

While often taken for granted, the helmet plays a vital role in protecting a Formula 1 driver. Just look at Romain Grosjean's accident in Bahrain last season, where the helmet played a key role in ensuring the Frenchman was able to walk away from the incident.

However injuries can still happen, just like when Felipe Massa suffered a fractured skill after a coil spring from Rubens Barrichello's car struck the Ferrari driver in the head while reaching speeds of 175 mph. That's why the FIA fire a heavy metal disc at helmets at speeds of 250km/h to ensure they can protect drivers.

Be sure to watch the full video below to get a breakdown of how the process works.