MOTORSPORT – A SPECIAL edition disco-inspired ‘Made in Bahrain’ helmet to be worn by McLaren superstar Lando Norris is making waves ahead of the Miami Grand Prix taking place tomorrow.
The helmet was made with a special edition lid, etched with stones from a disco ball, and at first, sparked controversies that it was ‘illegal’ and not in line with FIA regulations, however Norris was quick to clear up the doubts.
“Sunday night last year, we celebrated appropriately for my first win, so it’s more in recognition of that,” explained the 25-year-old who took the third spot on the podium at the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix last month.
“Obviously, the celebrations, the relief of a first win, all those things, and it goes with my collection of Miami helmets, with the basketball helmet, the beach helmet and now a disco ball.
“This is a little bit more out there, a little bit more funky, this one is actually made with the stones from a disco ball, so this is the un-raceable version, but it’s like the cooler, more real version.
“The actual helmet I will race with is actually all, like a vinyl, it’s a sticker.”
The GDN confirmed with Sakhir-based Bell Racing Helmets that the helmet, much like others Norris has sported, was manufactured in Bahrain.
The company clarified that it had been painted in Europe.
The GDN has previously reported that more than 60 per cent of top motorsport drivers have come to rely on Bahrain-made helmets to ensure their safety on track, with 14 out of 20 Formula 1 drivers donning headgear manufactured in the kingdom.
Bell Racing Helmets, a subsidiary of Racing Force Group (RFG), is manufacturing 70pc of Formula 1, 54pc of F2, 57pc of F3, 73pc of Formula E and 56pc of F1 Academy driver helmets, in addition to pit crew and miniature memorabilia in the past year.
Since 2015, the Bell Racing Helmets factory in Sakhir has been manufacturing the headgear around the corner from the BIC, and last year, the GDN reported that it completed an extension, which will enable the company to double its production capacity, with a facility now covering a total of 15,000sqm.
At the Japanese Grand Prix earlier this year, the Bahrain-owned McLaren team’s driver Oscar Piastri wore a specially designed helmet highlighting Bahrain’s heritage and its cultural ties with Japan.
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