Mercedes explain Hamilton mid-race helmet change

Lewis Hamilton accomplished in Monaco last weekend something that we believe no other driver has ever achieved in the history of Formula 1.

The Mercedes driver sported at the start of the Monaco Grand Prix weekend a one-off helmet livery designed by contemporary artist Daniel Arsham.

The latter's creation, stamped on a light purple base, was inspired by Hamilton's favourite crystal, the amethyst, which apparently has protective, healing qualities.

The design replicated the crystal erosions featured on a special helmet sculpture created by Arsham in collaboration with Hamilton.

The seven-time world champion lined up on the wet grid on Sunday wearing his artsy lid, but during the race's red flag period triggered by Mick Schumacher's heavy crash, Hamilton reverted to his traditional 2022 yellow dayglo helmet.

• Read also: Mercedes says traffic prevented Hamilton from battling Russell/Norris

Mercedes trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin explained the reason for the mid-race swap.

"In those very dark wet conditions at the start of the race, they are running a clear visor and that gives them the best visibility in the spray," Shovlin said.

"When you get into the dry race, also the sun is a lot lower in the sky, the end of the race was near six o'clock in the evening.

"He then moves to a tinted visor, just because it gives you better visibility, better contrast, but also you avoid getting the sun in your eyes."

Hamilton's remains alone at the top of F1's pyramid as the sport's most prolific winner, but also as the only F1 driver in history to have run two different helmet liveries in the same race!

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