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FIA lifts ban on F1 drivers changing helmet designs

Sebastian Vettel - who used to change his helmet design on every other lap - will rejoice in the FIA's decision to lift the restrictions on drivers changing their liveries during the season.

Since 2015, drivers have been limited to just one full design change during a campaign, although minor tweaks to a basic livery were permitted.

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The rule was implemented to help drivers become more instantly recognizable for the fans by forbidding constant design changes that confused the public.

It's been frequent over the years for drivers to sport a specific design theme on their helmet that pays tribute to their country at their home race.

©ToroRosso

At last year's Russian Grand Prix in Sochi, Dany Kvyat elected to do just that, but the Toro Rosso driver was threatened with a hefty fine by the FIA if he wore the special lid as he had already changed his helmet design earlier in the season.

In Geneva on Friday, the World Motor Sport Council approved a change to the 2020 sporting regulations that allows for "unrestricted variations to driver helmet designs between races".

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.