Heroes That Changed Formula 1

Changes in Formula 1 have never been a secret, but it's not always the cars that make greatness, but sometimes a driver, who is willing to bend the rules and test the limits of the sport. This article is going to show the people who stood their ground and made substantial changes to the sport as we know it today.

(Image credit to motorsportmagazine.com)

Niki Lauda is remembered not only for his incredible comeback after a near-fatal crash at the Nürburgring in 1976 but also for his technical skill and ability to work with engineers. His input helped transform his team’s car into a championship-winning machine and set new standards for drivers in the sport. Beyond racing, Lauda showed that resilience and focus can help people see that many problems can be overcome with a bit of hard work.

Ayrton Senna also had a major impact on Formula 1. His dedication and concern for driver safety helped bring changes to track design, car construction, and racing regulations. Tragically, his fatal crash at Imola in 1994 meant he never saw these improvements, but it sparked significant safety reforms. Following his death, the FIA strengthened medical response protocols, improved head and neck protection, and reinforced cockpits to better protect drivers in high-speed collisions.

Jules Bianchi’s crash at Suzuka in 2014 highlighted that even with decades of safety advancements, Formula 1 remained dangerous. His accident led to the introduction of the Virtual Safety Car (VSC), which slows cars during hazardous situations to reduce risk for both drivers and marshals. It also underscored the importance of cockpit protection, accelerating the adoption of the halo device. The halo is a simple but effective system that shields the driver’s head, deflects large debris, and acts as a roll bar during flips.

Romain Grosjean’s 2020 crash at the Bahrain Grand Prix further confirmed the effectiveness of modern safety measures. His car split in two and caught fire, yet he survived with burns on both hands, minor burns on his ankles, a sprained ankle, and rib bruising. The halo protected his head, fire-resistant gear minimized injuries, and the quick response of medical teams ensured his survival. While Grosjean didn’t create new safety devices, his accident validated the improvements made by previous drivers and emphasized the need for continued safety measures.

Jackie Stewart also played a significant role in improving Formula 1 safety. During the 1960s and 1970s, he pushed for safer tracks, proper barriers, run-off areas, and medical facilities at circuits. Dangerous tracks like the old Nürburgring were forced to modernize or be removed from the calendar. Stewart also advocated for better helmets and mandatory seatbelts, changing how drivers and teams approached safety forever.

Some drivers influence change through advocacy whilst others influence change through circumstances of crashes, both however lead to a safer environment and better protection for the drivers significantly reducing injury and increasing survival helping drivers walk away from crashes unharmed. 

Article written by Ruby Kirtland ©️Ruby Kirtland 2026