Explained: Logan's race suit
We break down all the tech behind Sarge's racing suit
09 Aug 2024
3 min read
Some people wear a shirt and tie to work, while others might have a uniform with a name badge.
For Logan, though, his work clothing is a potentially life-saving suit that covers his body from his neck to his ankles.
An F1 race suit might look like a multicolored piece of fabric plastered with sponsor logos at first sight, but it's a critical piece of safety equipment that plays a vital role in keeping drivers protected.
Logan needs to be flexible enough to move his body in the cockpit and exit his car in an emergency, but he can't overheat during a two-hour race.
The race suit solves these problems. Made from a fabric called Nomex, it's the same material you'll find surrounding a firefighter tackling a burning building.
It's a fire-resistant textile that is both lightweight and durable; two incredibly important attributes for the intensity of a 305km race.
Each race suit must pass a stringent FIA test called the Heat Transfer Index (HTI) that dictates a driver's protection from flames for at least 12 seconds in case a fire breaks out during a Grand Prix weekend.
Tailored to fit Logan perfectly for his height and build, the multiple layers inside provide the necessary flame and burn resistance while only weighing as little as 1.5 lbs (650 g).
With F1 drivers like Logan working so physically hard during a race, they can lose 4-6 lbs (2-3 kg) of weight in sweat from the energy needed to pilot the car.
Fortunately, the race suit's breathability helps sweat evaporate rather than clinging to the material, making the cockpit uncomfortably hot and wet, potentially leading to the body overheating.
It's not just the suit working alone as Logan's performance and safety clothing, though.
There is, of course, the helmet, but also some additional layer of protection in the form of fireproof baselayers.
These include a long-sleeved top, leggings, socks, shoes, and gloves, again made from Nomex.
But don't think these items are the same as your running or gym clothes.
Like the race suit, each provides a barrier against heat and flames and must go through the FIA HTI tests.
The layers underneath the suit, socks, and balaclava need to handle a direct flame for at least five seconds, while the shoes and gloves must withstand fire for 11 seconds to pass the test.
Before even getting into the cockpit, Logan will use additional race gear to best prepare his body for the grueling conditions out on track.
For example, you might have seen him wandering the pit lane or the grid wearing a cooling vest.
Typically filled with ice or gel, the vest is worn over the undershirt and under the race suit to help lower a driver's core body temperature.
Formula 1 schedules most races for the best weather for the region, particularly in Europe, and is visiting deserts in the Middle East and Nevada, too.
The cooling vest reduces the risk of heat exhaustion in hotter climates before the team removes it when Logan steps into the car to save weight.