What F1 Drivers Use as Gloves | Top Brands for Racing Safety

What F1 Drivers Use as Gloves | Top Brands for Racing Safety

Formula One is one of the most popular sports, with a sizable fan base. However, accidents can cause cars to catch fire if they roll over multiple times or collide with other vehicles. Over time, technological advancements have been made to enhance driver safety, ensuring they do not get injured in these accidents. When F1 drivers prepare for a race, safety is their top consideration. Their gloves, balaclavas, boots, suits, and underwear protect them from fire and heat. The race kit must be light, comfortable, and breathable, with a few extra elements to help athletes perform at their best. Westwood Racing Supplies provides high-quality gear that meets these requirements, offering drivers the protection and performance they need on the track. In this article, we will explore what brands F1 drivers use as gloves that provide maximum safety and better grip during the race.

Gloves for F1 Drivers

There are multiple brands that make racing gloves, but a few are preferred over others by F1 drivers:

Sparco

This Italian company is a powerhouse in the motor sports industry. Their gloves are known for their comfort, grip, and fire resistance. Sparco gloves are FIA-compliant and are used by the majority of professional drivers worldwide, including Formula 1, CART, Rally, and Super Tour champions. Sparco racing gloves are made from high-quality suede and leather materials, backed with 2-layer Nomex knit, and meticulously constructed to provide a great fit.

  • Sparco Arrow Glove: The high-grip HTX palm of the Arrow glove, a trademarked Sparco material that improves grip, comfort, and dexterity, provides outstanding grip and comfort. The HTX reduces vibrations and helps the driver achieve better performance. The glove also has Sparco's Touch-S technology, which allows the touch-sensitive index finger and thumb to control touchscreen devices without removing the gloves. The Arrow glove is ultra-lightweight, with pre-curved fingers, exterior stitching, and a unique inside thumb seam, providing superior comfort. It is FIA and SFI-approved.

Alpinestars

Alpinestars racing gloves have a Pittards fireproof digital leather palm construction for maximum safety and grip. The Alpinestars gloves are made of two layers of knit Nomex and feature seamless finger and thumb serging. They meet all FIA homologation 8856-2000 standards.

  • Alpinestars TECH-1 Race V4 Glove: The Alpinestars Tech-1 Race V4 offers both comfort and safety. Pre-curved fingers and external palm seams improve fit and reduce pressure points, while silicone printing on the fingers and palm provides superior grip and feel on the track. These gloves meet the most recent FIA 8856-2018 and SFI 3.3 homologation standards while emphasizing safety with flame-resistant aramidic fiber and a single-panel top construction that reduces seams and weight.

PUMA

PUMA provides only the highest quality gloves to address Formula, Sedan, Rally, and Nascar racing disciplines. PUMA gloves are manufactured with high-quality suede, top-grain leather, Pittards Digital leather, 2-layer knit Nomex III, and "boxed finger" technology, exceeding FIA 8856-2000 and SFI 3.3/5 standards to maximize protection, comfort, and feel for every driver.

OMP

All OMP gloves are manufactured by professional craftsmen using high-quality materials, with the help of well-known drivers who understand the importance of comfort, feel, safety, and wear. Many professional drivers as well as prominent racing and rally teams use it.

Stand 21

Yves Morizot created Stand 21 in Dijon, France, in 1970 with the objective of being the leader in specialized racing gear. Stand 21, which employs 150 people worldwide, makes all of its products internally and in compliance with the safety regulations established by institutions like the Snell Foundation, SFI, and FIA. Stand 21 provides safety equipment to top racing teams in the FIA, NHRA, NASCAR, Off Road, and other categories.

  • Stand 21 Porsche Legacy Gloves Black: The Legacy glove honors a historic tradition that began in 1984 and was inspired by Formula One legends such as Ayrton Senna. The Stand 21 Outseam gloves improved driver control and safety, letting individuals pursue what they want with confidence. This product has grown popular through time to provide better performance while maintaining to high standards. The Legacy glove keeps the essence of its predecessors, providing improved grip and safety in a stylish design with several personalization options.

Simpson

Simpson Performance Products, established in the 1950s, is a legendary American company with a long history associated with motor sports safety. Simpson is well-known for its pioneering work with safety harnesses, helmets, and fire-resistant clothing. Today, Simpson is a well-known brand in car racing, offering a wide variety of safety equipment, including gloves for both professional and amateur racers.

  • Simpson Black Competitor Glove: The Simpson Black Competitor Glove's bold white trim improves visibility while adding a fashionable touch. This glove complies with SFI 3.3/5 requirements for fire protection with its double-layer Nomex® construction. The silicone contact points on the palm increase grip and control, and the outer seams add support and flexibility. These gloves have multiple features, including ambidextrous structure for versatility, a pull-on latch for ease of wear, and pre-curved fingers for convenience. A precise fit is guaranteed given the choice of sizes and the timeless elegance of the traditional black color scheme with white trim.

Formula One Gloves: The Significance

F1 drivers require gloves not only for protection but also for a variety of other purposes.

  • Naturally, the main goal is to shield the racer's hands from intense heat, cold, and flames.
  • At times, it is difficult to keep a tight grip on the steering wheel, and racing gloves provide a stronger grip on the steering wheel and gear lever for better handling and control.
  • These gloves are made to keep the drivers in mind because they will be wearing them for hours.
  • F1 racing gloves must allow drivers to experience the functions of the car through the steering wheel. The superior fit and feel reduce hand strain during long races.
  • Racing gloves protect the interior of the car from oils, sweat, and grime while protecting the shift knob and steering wheel.
  • Gloves can be left on because the touchscreen compatibility feature allows you to operate the vehicle using your touchscreen.

Materials Used

The following materials are available for selection when buying the F1 racing gloves.

  • Nomex
  • Aramid Fiber
  • Leather
  • Silicone Gripping
  • Ventilation

FAQS

Why do F1 drivers use gloves?

Racing gloves have two primary purposes. The first purpose is to protect the drivers against heat, burns, and blisters. The second purpose is to provide better grip on the steering wheel.

What gloves does a driver wear?

The racing gloves are made by a number of brands using a number of materials. However, the most popular brands among F1 drivers are Sparco, Alpinestars, Simpson, Stand 21, and Puma.

In Summary

Racing gloves are a need for every racer, more than just an accessory to have. You can better handle the vehicle on the track with their solid grip on the wheel. This blog contains information about some of the most popular F1 racing gloves, which vary in price, features, and style. No matter what your needs or price range are, there is something for everyone. Invest in some high-quality racing gloves for the best racing experience. Visit our website to check out the selection of F1 racing gloves in the USA that suit your requirements for racing. You can also visit our store in person and experience the difference.