Anthoine Hubert – Behind the Visor

We went behind the visor with Anthoine Hubert before the Monaco Grand prix, to discuss the design of his helmet and delve into the back story of where it all began.

The Renault junior was debuting a brand new design for Round 4, which would prove to be a lucky omen, as he won his first ever FIA Formula 2 race, on the Saturday. While, the Frenchman also revealed that he has a surprise in store for his home race.

“I have had the same basic design of helmet since 2008. I think that the signature section of the helmet is the rectangle with the star inside of it, which has been there ever since 2008. My first ever helmet was really simple, going from yellow to red with blue on the top. It was on my second helmet that the star was added: me and my dad took some paper and started to draw and I have no idea where it came from, but we had this idea to add a star onto the helmet and I have kept it ever since.

“Outside of the rectangle, I have changed the design a bit through the years and I have always tried to keep the same space mainly for my sponsors. My signature is always on the side of the helmet as well and my number sits on the back, with the French flag incorporated into it.

“There are a few changes from last year and there used to be a lot more white in the design, but I wanted to add extra colour. Also, as you may have seen, my helmet colour last year was orange, but because I am in a pink car this year with a yellow and black race suit, I thought that having an orange helmet may be a bit too much. Instead, I decided to change and have a pink helmet and I really like it.

“I also added the French flag on the back, but in a more unique way. I tried to incorporate the French flag into the design as opposed to having it just sat there. I am really patriotic and very proud to display the French flag.

“This particular helmet is actually a brand new design which made its debut in Monaco. On my old one, there was a triangular design on the top, whereas this helmet has a different style. I haven't worn it yet, so hopefully it brings success it did!, because I am quite superstitious, so I have to get a good result or I will throw it away laughs.

“Amato have helped me with the design of my helmets since 2013. Every year, I have at least two helmets and the designer keeps one for his collection. He is really passionate about helmets and he loves to spend time on the designs.

“For me, my helmet always remains quite simple because I don’t want anything too complicated. I don’t mind changing colours, but it is important for me to keep the basis of my initial design, so that people can recognise me.

“I should have a surprise for the French Grand Prix as well…. I don’t know yet how it is going to look - I have told them to have fun with it, but I should have something different to mark my home Grand Prix.”