F1 drivers pull out the stops with creative lids for US GP

Since its inception in 2012, the US Grand Prix in Austin has grown into one of the most popular events on the calendar, for fans and competitors alike.

But over the years, the event has inspired more and more drivers to whip up one-off helmet designs often inspired by the rugged charm of the Texan West.

From cowboy hats and Lone Star flags to vibrant depictions of Texas landscapes or personal milestones, each helmet tells a story.

Here’s a rundown of the artistic masterpieces that we have seen so far at The Circuit of the Americas but check back later today there may be more lids to come.

A Stetson-wearing Zhou Guanyu might not quite look the part all suited and booted in western attire, but his helmet is a beauty draped in a two-tone rusty motif of reproduced leather, complete with seams and all.

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz has opted for a flash of American red, white and blue emblazoned with a couple of stars for good measure.

But on the other side of the Scuderia garage, Charles Leclerc was completely oblivious of the fact that this weekend will mark his 100th GP. Instead he chose a green turf-colored design resembling that of a US football field.

“I forgot this was my 100th GP with @scuderiaferrari, so this special helmet design doesn’t make sense but it’s beautiful,” the Monegasque wrote on social media.

Coincidently, another driver to celebrate his 100th GP in Austin is McLaren’s Lando Norris whose lid is plastered with 100 stickers representing the countries and venues where he has raced.

Pierre Gasly’s special Austin lid is one that will revive the memories among the older generation of fans of one of France’s most legendary F1 drivers, François Cevert. It’s been 50 years since the Tyrrell driver’s tragic death at Watkins Glen in 1973, and Gasly will carry Cevert’s colours this weekend as a tribute to his countryman.

For Kevin Magnussen, it’s another Western tribute lid but the theme here is Route 66, one of the most famous roads in America that runs from Chicago to Santa Monica in California, and passes through the state of Texas.

Nico Hulkenberg’s proposition is a variation of his original design but in the red, white and blue colours of Texas and America to which the German has added the inevitable Lone Star.

No one-off helmets for its drivers in sight so far at Williams, but the British outfit is honouring its American ties by running in Austin a Star-Spangled Banner on the rear bodywork of its Fw45.

Let's hope the artful motif delivers this weekend a much-needed bag of points to local hero Logan Sargeant.

Likely to be continued...

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