From pandas to tube lines: F1 drivers' helmet designs for 2024 Chinese GP

Ahead of the first Chinese Grand Prix in half a decade, several drivers on the grid have chosen to commemorate its return to the F1 calendar with unique and one-off helmet designs.

Since the ban on custom lids was lifted in 2020 — which previously prevented drivers from changing their helmets more than once a year — we’ve seen increasingly creative designs from most of the grid.

Racing in Shanghai is set to look equally colourful, with Zhou Guanyu leading the charge in what will be his first home race in F1.

Zhou Guanyu

Zhou Guanyu was pictured at his first Chinese Grand Prix in 2004, proudly waving a flag with Fernando Alonso’s Renault embossed upon it. 20 years later, things have really come full circle for the Shanghai-born Sauber driver, as that very same picture will appear on the back of his helmet as he takes to the Shanghai circuit for the first time in F1.

The rest of Zhou’s custom lid takes inspiration from the city’s underground network and other landmarks, alongside his race number and an outline of the circuit itself.

“I know I’m going to have massive goosebumps when I’m on the grid on Sunday,” said Zhou. “Especially when the national anthem rings out around the circuit

“It’s going to be a memorable weekend for me already, but to score there would be something special.”

George Russell

In celebration of China’s year of the dragon, George Russell has switched out his usual all-blue helmet for a design which incorporates the colours of the Chinese flag with 2024’s zodiac sign along the side.

“There are so many cool details I wanted to bring forward to celebrate being back here in Shanghai,” said Russell. “It feels great to be racing in China again and I wanted to celebrate with something special.”

This will be the first time Russell has word a red-coloured helmet since he joined Mercedes, having previously given up his traditional lid colour in honour of Michael Schumacher.

Alex Albon

Williams’ Alex Albon is well renowned for his wacky custom helmet designs — having sported a golf ball-like lid in Miami and a elephant embossed paint job in Singapore.

So it’s hardly a surprise that upon the return to Shanghai, the Thai driver has chosen to pay tribute to China’s national animal: the Giant Panda.

While the new helmet certainly blends in well at the local zoo, it’ll likely stand out on race day and make for a funny site in the rear view mirrors of those trying to keep Albon behind them across the race weekend.