Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel may initiate a new fashion trend next weekend in Sochi when he sports a pair of innovative 'racing socks'.
The specially developed-product made by Puma is a one-piece, laceless boot which weighs in at just 135 grams, and which has just been homologated by the FIA.
"Auto Bild's information is that Vettel can finally use his racing sock from Russia," the German publication declared.
"We wanted to create the most minimalist solution," says Sonny Lim, Puma's Teamhead Design Motorsport Footwear.
"The idea was to make the lightest shoe, so we knitted an upper in one piece made of Nomex."
The designers added a neoprene outsole, which is the world’s lightest and provides most grip.
The sole acts as the critical interface between a drivers and the race car, facilitating lightning-fast throttle and brake responses.
Needless to say that the footwear also needed to be comfortable and breathable. But most importantly, it needed to be fireproof.
"That was a real challenge", remembers Sonny.
Sebastian Vettel was central to the development of the new piece of racing footwear.
"The feedback of the driver is the most important part, as we want to give him what he wants. We have succeeded in that," he added.
Will it help Vettel blow his rivals' own socks off? Wait and see...
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