Steering Column Impact Test

In Simple Terms

F1 teams must prove their steering column can withstand a heavy impact without causing dangerous deceleration to the driver. A weighted ball is fired at the steering column at high speed, and the steering must remain safe and functional after the test.

• An 8kg ball (about the size of a basketball) is shot at 7m/s minimum speed into the steering column
• Peak deceleration cannot exceed 80g for more than 3 milliseconds total to protect the driver from injury
• The steering column and quick release mechanism must work properly after impact testing
• All deformation from the impact must stay contained within the steering column structure