Cockpit

Strict specifications have to be followed while making F1 cockpits. A car driver should be able to get in and out of the car with just removing the steering wheel. Once in the car, he must be able to get out of the car within five seconds. He must not take more than five seconds to remove or replace a steering.

Survival Cell Structure
The survival cell structure of the car should be designed to protect the driver in the event of an accident. It must extend at least 300mm beyond the driver's feet. However, the structure must not cross the center line of the front wheel. Cockpit opening at the extreme front must be minimum 50mm in front of the steering wheel. These are the main requirements for designing a cockpit. Besides these specifications, there are a host of other parameters also to be followed. Compliance of the car with specifications is tested by lowering a specially made template into the cockpit.

Sturdy Cockpit
The cockpit is made sturdy enough to weather accidents. The basic principle is that the driver should be able to get out of the car in the least possible time, and without having to remove anything except the steering wheel. The front, sides and rear of the survival cell is guarded by crash-worthy material. There is a mandatory roll-over protection hoop behind the driver's seat. Cockpit side walls are now made taller and tougher to increase protection of drivers' heads.