Tearoffs

Tearoffs are thin, transparent plastic sheets that drivers stack on their helmet visors or windshields and peel away during a race to maintain clear vision when the outer layer becomes dirty.

Imagine trying to drive at high speeds when your windshield is covered in mud, oil, or debris. In motorsport, where split-second decisions matter, clear vision is absolutely critical for safety and performance. This is where tearoffs become essential equipment for drivers across all racing disciplines.

These protective layers work like a stack of disposable screen protectors. Before a race begins, drivers or their crew apply multiple tearoff layers—sometimes up to ten or more—on top of each other. Each layer is designed to be incredibly thin so that stacking them doesn't distort the driver's view. The films are made from scratch-resistant plastic that remains transparent even in challenging conditions.

During a race, when the outermost layer gets covered with dirt, oil spray, rubber particles, insects, or rainwater, the driver can quickly grab a tab on the edge and pull it off with one hand. This peeling motion takes less than a second and reveals a fresh, clean layer underneath. The driver can repeat this process throughout the race as needed, ensuring they always have the clearest possible view of the track ahead.

Different motorsport categories use tearoffs in slightly different ways. Formula 1 drivers typically use them on their helmet visors to deal with oil mist and debris kicked up by other cars. Motocross riders attach them to their goggles because they face constant exposure to mud and dirt from the track. NASCAR drivers use tearoffs on both their helmet visors and sometimes on their car windshields, with pit crews occasionally removing layers during pit stops.

The number of tearoff layers a driver uses depends on the expected race conditions. A dry, clean circuit might require only a few layers, while muddy or wet conditions could demand the maximum number allowed. Formula 1 drivers might use around five layers, while motocross riders in particularly muddy conditions might stack ten or more on their goggles.

While tearoffs are incredibly useful, they can occasionally cause problems. If a discarded tearoff lands on the track, it might stick to another car's critical components. A notable incident occurred at the 2022 Belgian Grand Prix when a tearoff became lodged in a competitor's brake duct, causing overheating issues that affected their race result.

Racing organizations have established regulations governing tearoff use. The FIA and other governing bodies initially prohibited drivers from discarding tearoffs on the track, but rules have evolved to balance safety needs with practical racing conditions. Today's regulations typically limit the number of layers drivers can use and provide guidelines for their disposal, though drivers can still remove them during races when visibility becomes compromised.