Front Impact Structure Dynamic Tests – General Requirements

In Simple Terms

F1 teams must test their car's front bumper by crashing a 900kg test structure into a wall at controlled speeds. The impact forces are carefully measured to ensure the car's safety structures work properly without experiencing extreme deceleration forces that could harm a driver.

• Test structure must weigh exactly 900kg (with only 1% tolerance) when including the crash trolley
• Deceleration during impact is strictly controlled with a maximum peak of 40g, with a small exception allowing up to 43g for 15 milliseconds using a specific filter
• The deceleration profile follows a mathematical formula (<13.5/X^1.13g) to ensure gradual, safe force distribution during the crash
• Test structure must be rigidly mounted to the impact wall through designated FIS (Front Impact Structure) mounting points