Wheel Tethers

In Simple Terms

F1 cars must have flexible safety cables (tethers) attached to each wheel to prevent them from flying off the car if the suspension completely fails. These tethers are a critical safety device designed solely to keep the wheels attached to the vehicle during worst-case mechanical failure.

• Wheel tethers are mandatory safety equipment on all F1 cars
• They prevent wheel separation if all suspension components fail simultaneously
• Tethers must meet specific technical requirements outlined in Article C14.4.1
• Their sole purpose is wheel retention and driver/spectator safety