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Uniform helmets

© Getty Images

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The intention is good but, as often happens in Formula One, the execution is heavy-handed. As previous columns will attest, I've never been in favour of drivers adapting different helmet designs as often as Bernie Ecclestone changes his mind about the F1 calendar. Call me a traditionalist if you like but I've always believed that the colours worn on a driver's helmet are his brand; a distinct, unique and very quick indication that it's him.

This is the design pattern that a particular driver's fans look out for. It's the totem they follow just as surely as football supporters live by the colours of their club. Sebastian Vettel's random changes are, in some respects, as daft as a Premier League team having a complete kit makeover every other week based on the whim of the chairman's wife.

Agreed, Vettel's designs are usually innovative, artistic and interesting. But who, apart from his mechanics, actually gets to see the subtle artwork? Anyway, that's not the point. He's messing about with his trademark and what, effectively, is the only part that's visible when in a speeding car that carries no identification - or none that's instantly visible - to say who the driver is. Think back not so long ago to the symbolic schemes sported by Damon Hill, Jacques Villeneuve, Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna. You could tell who each driver was a mile away. Well not quite, but you know what I mean.

The FIA explain the latest legislation by saying it's to improve the promotional appeal of the sport. While it's a topic that urgently needs attention, this move is cosmetic in every sense. It's sticking an Elastoplast over a gaping wound that requires major surgery.

Jean-Eric Vergne's tribute to François Cevert compared with his usual design © Getty Images

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To make matters worse, they've gone too far with a blanket 'one design only' edict that bans the occasional 'tribute' helmets we have seen from time to time. These have their place if handled correctly, such as Jenson Button's tasteful and timely choice when auctioning a one-off design to raise money for victims of the Japanese earthquake. Some of the best examples were Jean-Eric Vergne's immaculate replica of the distinctive French colours worn by François Cevert and Kimi Räikkönen's typically unexpected show of support for James Hunt, a kindred spirit if ever there was one.

Saying that, some of the Kimster's more recent choices fall under complicated and fussy designs that look messy and make distinguishing a Grosjean from a Vergne very difficult if they were sat in unmarked cars. Go to any kart meeting and you'll see that these convoluted and interlocking schemes are beautifully crafted but impossible to distinguish at a distance. Far better to remember Anthony Hamilton's decision to have Lewis spray his helmet bright yellow to allow easy recognition in the bobbing blaze of colour going through the first corner.

Calling for helmet design uniformity is a good move. But it's a very small step down a long road riddled with much bigger potholes.

Maurice Hamilton writes for ESPN F1.

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