Side impact structure squeeze tests

In Simple Terms

The car's side protection must withstand strong crushing forces (100,000 and 150,000 Newtons) applied simultaneously from both top and bottom for 5 seconds. If any part of the driver's protective cell breaks or becomes damaged during this test, the car fails and cannot race.

• Two simultaneous loads (100kN upper, 150kN lower) simulate a side impact crush scenario
• Forces are applied through a hemispherical pad to distribute pressure realistically
• The survival cell and all its attachments must remain completely intact after 5 seconds of sustained pressure
• This is a mandatory safety test that must be passed before the car is approved to race