Lewis Hamilton

The Formula One Commission has taken the radical step of banning drivers from changing the design on their helmet throughout the course of a season.

The move is to be ratified at a forthcoming meeting of the World Motor Sport Council, but is certain to cause a stir among the current crop of F1 drivers.

Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel are two of the drivers who have often altered the look of their helmets in the past.

The move is designed to ensure fans, both in the grandstands at the circuits and watching at home on television, can clearly identify who is driving which car.

The helmet livery change has become a recent phenomenon as drivers in years gone by were renowned for adopting a style and keeping faith with that.

Arguably the most famous helmet design is that of Ayrton Senna, with its distinctive primary yellow colour and green and navy bands.

Former Red Bull star Mark Webber, who now drives for Porsche in sportscars, tweeted: “Mmm bigger issues than this going on...#jobworths.”

Meanwhile, another former F1 driver Alexander Wurz, who is chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, said: “I hear F1 banned drivers to change helmet design during season. I am a fan of consistency, BUT SERIOUSLY! what’s next? rules on haircut?”