A comprehensive guide to help you select the right racing helmet for the 2026 racing season.
Purchasing a new motorsport helmet is not something you do on a whim. It is a serious piece of motorsport safety equipment that protects the area we want to protect most in the event of a collision- our heads!
Therefore, we know that when you land on a motorsport helmet retailer's website, the choices can seem overwhelming at first. Leading helmet stockists such as Nicky Grist Motorsports literally have hundreds of helmets to sift through.
Questions start to arise, such as how do I whittle down this list to the helmets that will be right for me and the discipline I want to compete in?
In 2026, you might also be pondering, "Well, is this helmet built to the latest safety homologations and is it the standard required for my championship or races I compete in?”
Well, now it's time to put the kettle on, as this guide is going to walk you through the entire process of purchasing your new motorsport helmet from start to finish.
Whether you therefore enjoy rally driving, or racing in a formula car or a tin top racing car in competitions on weekends, we have you covered.
We are going to explain absolutely everything you need to know; it's then just a matter of pressing the “buy it now” button at the end.
Then our aftercare team will be in touch to ensure you receive the high level of service you expect from us when purchasing a new racing helmet.
Let's begin the process of matching you to your perfect motorsport helmet:
Step 1: Safety homologations and how much protection the helmet will afford
Let’s get straight to the nitty-gritty: if you're to sort the wheat from the chaff in terms of motorsport helmets, we need to talk about helmet safety homologations and standards first and foremost.
In our experience, safety is something that people know they must have a certain standard, and as long as they can compete with it that is OK but most are not concerned about more serious safety standards to protect themselves as best they can.
This must be a main priority for anyone buying a helmet, as the higher the safety standard, could potentially save your life. Although, cost does come into the equation also.
It is possible to pick up a helmet online for under £100 from many motorsport retailers.
However, if that helmet doesn't have the correct homologation you won’t start your event, but while a lesser standard allows you to race, are there better standards that will perform much better in an actual collision.
Always consider the worse-case scenario in an accident when you buy your helmet, the better the helmet really could save your life in the event of a collision.
Enter the FIA - setting the bar when it comes to helmet safety standards in 2026 and beyond
The FIA, for those not in the know, stands for the “Fédération Internationale de l ’Automobile”.
The FIA is the sanctioning body that sets safety standards across a wide range of motorsports.
Whether you enjoy participating in rally competitions or Formula E, you will know that the FIA are a big deal when it comes to ensuring participants are better protected.
However, they are not the only motorsport sanctioning body around, so check with your race organiser what safety standards they require you to have on your race day.
A race or championship organiser will publish event technical regulations in advance, these list which FIA rules or other applicable standards the race will adhere to. The relevant safety standard of helmets and racewear that competitors must use and you must ensure your safety kit meets the stated rules.
Following the FIA rules (or equivalent) is important for two reasons: firstly, no driver or co-driver wants to be told they cannot race on the actual day because they have brought the wrong or outdated safety equipment to the race.
The second is that motorsport professionals will want to improve their own safety and invest in the latest and best safety gear that money can buy.
In terms of FIA guidance, what is considered the best helmet classification?
Do remember that the FIA guidance is regularly updated; therefore, it's best to check with the FIA or the race-day organiser directly to ensure you're following the latest rules for your motorsport discipline.
However, here’s the advice that is correct at the time of publication:
On many helmet brands, you will see the description “FIA 8859-2024 standard” printed on a label, usually located inside the helmet.
The FIA 8859-2024 standard is used in a wide range of motorsport disciplines and is the entry level standard. These helmets are commonly used in motorsport categories that require the drivers and co-drivers to wear a HANS/FHR device. The FIA 8859-2024 is the very latest FIA minimum standard, while the original FIA8859-2015 is still sold and widely used as there is no expiration date for this at the time of writing, which is an important point. Although the l2024 variant will have a longer lifespan.
This 8859-2024 safety standard is also commonly referred to as a “premium helmet category”; however, there is an FIA standard that offers an even higher level of protection.
Therefore, if you're looking for a new helmet, you may wish to consider one that meets the FIA 8860-2018 standard.
The FIA 8860-2018 helmet standard
The FIA 8860-2018 offers improved protection because the helmet must undergo far more stringent testing when compared to the FIA 8859-2024 standard.
To meet this standard, the FIA has tested the racing helmet to achieve not only higher levels of impact but also higher shock absorption. For example, in the fast-paced world of Formula 1 racing, the FIA 8860-2018 standard is now mandatory for all drivers.
Therefore, for example, if you race in F1, F2, F3, and Formula E, it's now mandatory to wear an FIA 8860-2018 homologated helmet.
This stands to reason: formula racing is extremely fast-paced, and the cars have an open-cockpit design; therefore, drivers must wear higher FIA-homologated helmets.
This standard is not only for Formula racing. All World Championships in racing require this highest standard and may endurance races require it also.
FIA 8859-2024 vs FIA 8860-2018- What are the main differences?
Impact energy absorption
One of the most contrasting differences between these two commonly cited race helmet homologations is the level of impact energy each helmet can withstand. The FIA 8859-2024 is designed for “moderate energy impacts”, whilst the FIA 8860-2018 is tested to withstand higher levels of impact energy. With the latter also requiring a penetration test to make sure that loose objects cannot get into the head space
This is why we would advise you, regardless of which motorsport discipline you compete in, to always invest in the higher, more up-to-date FIA homologation to protect yourself better.
In summary, the 8860-2018 helmet can take tougher impacts and absorb higher energy levels and will keep you safer in a crash.
Penetration resistance
If you have ever seen a vehicle collision in slow motion replay, it's quite a frightening sight to see the amount of debris flying about inside the actual vehicle. In rallying, especially, as the terrain can be extremely rough, the car can be on its roof in a split second. Radio com equipment, glass, and plastics debris can be flying around the cockpit as the car rolls multiple times.
Debris from outside can also enter the cabin and be propelled at huge speeds, depending on how fast the car was travelling.
Therefore, the FIA needs to conduct penetration testing of the helmets, commonly referred to as “penetration resistance testing”.
In summary, the FIA 8860-2018 can withstand much tougher penetration tests of the outer shell. This means the helmet's homologation indicates it can withstand much higher-energy strikes to the helmet's outer shell in the event of a collision.
Now imagine, for a second, anything from a stray steel bolt to the helmet striking the central A-pillar: the forces at play when you're decelerating from, say, 70mph and hitting an embankment are tremendous.
This is another reason why, if you have the older FIA 8859-2015 homologation, and want to go one better than the 8859-2024 it's well worth upgrading to the FIA 8860-2018 standard for increased levels of protection in 2026.
In summary the 8860-2018 standard allows the helmet to withstand higher-energy strikes from sharper objects; we can't therefore think of a better reason why all drivers shouldn’t upgrade, or at least meet, this newer and improved helmet homologation standard.
FIA8860-2018 ABP
Designed for open top race cars that has the drivers helmet exposed above the cockpit, the FIA imposed another safety feature in this higher standard, and it is this helmet that is required in Formula 1, 2 and 3, and in the future probably all exposed cockpit race cars and championship will require it.
While racing parts from another car can come off a competing car in front and can be thrown into passage of following cars and have been known to seriously collide with a driver’s helmet. This is why the FIA introduced an additional 8860-2018 standard for this very reason. 8860-2018 ABP, ABP has advanced ballistic protection in the forehead of the helmet and offers serious safety strength just above the visor opening.
If you would like this additional forehead protection, although it may not be required by event organisers, and you cannot afford the 8860-2018 standard, then Stilo has you covered as they have introduced this is a composite construction helmet and far more affordable price point.
Outer shell construction
Tighter controls on shell thickness, stiffness, and uniformity were introduced with the FIA 8860-2018 homologation. Therefore, overall, the 8860-2018 helmets are 30% stronger than the previous 8859-2015 standard.
Helmet Weight
Here’s something to consider when purchasing a motorsport helmet: its overall weight.
Now, when we think of progress in product development, such as helmet design, we often envision lighter products.
However, you have to hold your horses on this one for a second; the FIA 8860-2018 brought in stricter rules for the helmets to adhere to, which meant stronger helmets, sometimes with thicker outer shells, sometimes this meant a heavier helmet construction (not always the case, but one area to consider).
A part of the FIA requirements was a maximum weight limit the helmet to this 8860 standard, this caveat makes this higher standard far more stressful for engineers to get a helmet through the testing, which is why all these helmets are manufactured in high grade carbon fibre for its exceptionally strength but its superior strength.
You will therefore need to check the product description for each helmet to compare their weights.
However, you can have it both ways: the newer, improved homologation standards (8860-2018), plus being light if you choose a “Stilo full-carbon helmet”. Therefore, for serious drivers, there’s often only one way to go when it comes to crash-helmet design: full carbon fibre.
What about karting homologations in 2026?
It's important to note that, if you're shopping for a karting helmet, you should know that karting has its own set of safety homologation standards to adhere to.
The most commonly cited homologation standards for karting are the “Snell Karting Homologation Standards”.
Karting helmets are therefore normally designated with Snell CMR 2016 for youngsters 15 years old and younger, and for adults a more recent and updated karting helmet standard, Snell K2025.
It's also important to note that these karting homologation standards mean the helmet has been designed exclusively for karting use. Therefore, if you’re a true petrol-head, with a love of speed, well, you cannot use the same helmet to compete in, say, a geared karting competition one weekend and then use the same helmet the following week to compete in a rally competition!
You will need separate helmets homologated to different standards.
What is the Snell CMR 2016 Karting Homologation designed for?
The Snell CMR 2016 helmet homologation, as mentioned above, is designed for junior kart drivers.
Therefore, on our website, we offer a dedicated collection of Stilo junior karting helmets for you to choose from.
Stilo produces a fantastic collection of CMR helmets that are lightweight and available in a range of vibrant designs. One key point, all of Stilo’s CMR range are carbon fibre making them one of the lightest in the market and a serious consideration should be paid to this point.
Junior karting helmets differ because they must be kept below a set weight. The Snell CMR 2016 standards set the weight limits for junior kart helmets. The reason for this is simple: a younger driver cannot and shouldn’t drive with a heavy racing helmet.
A heavy racing helmet worn by a junior kart driver will place too much stress and weight on the head and neck muscles. This could result in the driver incurring an injury due to not wearing the correct junior karting helmet.
Who are the Snell K2025 standards designed for?
There is an older Snell standard in this classification: Snell K2025. The Snell K2020 has now been superseded by the improved K2025 standard, which includes a new homologation process.
The Snell K2025 offers the latest safety homologation for adult karting helmet design.
It's also important to remember that kart helmets, in terms of their design, are quite different from those used in other motorsport disciplines.
For example, in rallying, it's essential to wear an FHR device to improve rally drivers' and co-drivers' safety.
An FHR or HAN’s device quite simply prevents violent neck movements during a collision. This means the rally helmet will need HANS/FHR posts to anchor the FHR device onto.
In karting, FHR devices are not worn; therefore, the Snell K2025 standard does not need to include FHR anchor points in its safety guidance and stipulations.
Step 2: Narrow the selection of racing helmets through your choice of motorsport discipline
Racing helmets are designed and built to operate in different driving environments.
For example, you're not going to rock up at an F1 race wearing an open-face rally helmet, as you will not be able to compete!
Therefore, the designs of different motorsport helmets vary depending on the motorsport discipline you are competing in.
Rally Helmets
One of the first ways to whittle down the vast volume of choice when choosing a new rally helmet is to decide whether you need an “open” or “full-face” rally helmet.
Now, some of the leading names in the rally helmet manufacturing business, such as Stilo they offer both options.
Open Face Rally Helmets
You can't offer advice on an open-face rally helmet without mentioning, in the same breath, the Stilo WRC Venti Composite- it’s the stuff of legends!
The Stilo WRC Venti is one of the best-selling rally helmets in the entire world.
The competitive pricing and comfort make this rally helmet pretty hard to beat.
Of course, you can go lighter; the Stilo WRC Venti Zero 8860 Rally helmet is a totally different price category in comparison to the Stilo WRC Venti- however, it's also in a totally different weight category as it is much lighter, but also to the much higher safety standard offering the very best safety for the wearer.
It therefore boils down to how much use you will get from the helmet and the level of comfort you want.
If you are an occasional driver in rallying competitions, the Stilo WRC Venti4 may be the one for you.
However, if you find yourself itching to be in a rally car every moment of the day, plus you want to spend your free time pushing the WRC spec car to the limits, well, you need a serious professional rally helmet to match your level of passion for rallying.
Therefore, some of the best in the business, when it comes to rally co-driving and driving, choose an open-face Stilo WRC Venti Zero 8860 Rally Helmet, as it’s a rally helmet that offers zero compromises.
Full-Face Rally Helmets
Full-face rally helmets are a whole different kettle of fish when compared to open-face helmets.
If you're looking for the right option for you in 2026, well, you really can't go wrong with the Stilo ST6 Rally Composite.
The reason is that this is a full-face rally helmet that integrates the latest ST6 technology into its design. Therefore, improved ventilation, lightness, and padding for improved comfort.
Stilo is also one of, if not the best, rally helmet manufacturers in the business.
Therefore, the Stilo ST6 Rally Composite offers superb value for very little in terms of outlay when you consider what you're getting for the money.
If, however, rallying is your passion, and you want to spend more to get a higher level of overall comfort, then be sure to check out the Stilo ST6 Rally Carbon.
The aggressive styling of the Stilo ST6 Rally Carbon means you will look the part, yet, thanks to the carbon shell, your neck muscles will thank you for choosing this much lighter helmet design, especially during endurance races.
Helmets for Track days
The definition of “track days” is open to interpretation.
For example, you may occasionally get the senior management team of a company that comes together to enjoy flying, say, a Honda Civic Type-R model around the Silverstone circuit.
What is important to remember is that track day events are often deemed as “non-competitive circuit use”.
This means that, even though you may have ambitions to overtake your boss on the track, the type of racing you're competing in does not require formal homologation of the helmet in most cases.
However, racing is racing, and therefore accidents can and do occur. Therefore, whether you're just taking a Ford RS out with work colleagues for the odd spin or you participate more frequently in track day events, we strongly recommend that you still purchase an FIA-homologated helmet, even if you're not required to for the track day event you will be attending.
The reason is that, whether the BMW M4 hits the side barrier at 100mph+ during a track day event or not, the resulting crash will be the same, regardless of whether it’s a formal race competition or an informal competition between friends.
Therefore, invest in the best safety equipment you can afford, and choose homologated safety gear even if it's not required, as your safety is at stake.
Helmets for Saloon, Touring Car & GT Racing
You may have ambitions of competing in the British Touring Car Championship or World Touring Car Cup (WTCR)- if so, it's important to consider the right race helmet carefully.
Therefore, in terms of helmet design for this racing category, we would recommend thinking about:
• Selecting a full-face helmet design
• You will want a helmet for saloon racing that offers strong chin protection
• Good ventilation- important to consider if you are competing in endurance races
• Antifog visors and replaceable visor design
• Comfortable liners
Helmets for Formula Racing
When choosing a new helmet for formula racing, one key consideration is its aerodynamic performance. It's safe to say that, when entering formula racing, no driver will be wearing a cumbersome fibreglass helmet in 2026.
In 2026, aerodynamics is key with tapered designs and venturis, including front and rear vents to help minimise drag. To this end, just as F1 cars are focused on reducing drag, so should your formula helmet be.
When you're driving at speeds of, say, over 170 mph, another key consideration is the quality and ease with which you can tear off the visor.
The formula helmet, therefore, needs to offer a wide field of view while also allowing tear-off visor attachments. After all, if a bug hits you at these speeds, you quickly need to throw the visor off and refocus on the track that lies ahead and not let the bug on your visor distract your concentration levels.
HANS /FHR Compatibility
We wrote a rather brilliant article on things to consider when purchasing an FHR device in 2026 here.
Before you hit the buy it now tab on the helmet retailer's website, make sure to work out whether you need a FHR- or HANS-compatible helmet.
The FHR device looks like a relatively simple piece of safety kit; however, it offers enormous benefits and can help to minimise head and neck injuries during a collision.
Even if you have neck muscles as strong as Iron Mike Tyson in his prime, the amount of energy generated during a crash will throw your head into a lateral movement which can result sometimes in life changing injuries. No amount of bracing for an impact can help; therefore, investing in a quality FHR device from a leading company such as Stilo or Simpson Hybrid is essential.
Making sure the helmet fits correctly
You want the helmet to fit snugly and comfortably, and to feel like it's been tailor-made for your head.
It's all well and good researching the latest FIA homologations until you turn blue in the face; however, if you turn up to your track day event and the helmet is loose-fitting, it won't protect you in an impact.
If we were to return to our analogy of a slow-motion camera being used during a collision, an ill-fitting helmet could move around so much that it could leave parts of your head exposed to an impact.
Sit evenly on the head.
Our in-house team will work with you to make sure your Stilo helmet fits perfectly.
We will explain how to use helmet sizing charts and how to measure your head correctly. We will work with you not just to ensure you receive a fine-quality Italian-made helmet, but also to make sure the helmet fits your head like a pea in a pod.
To do this, we will liaise with you throughout the buying process.
Remains stable
When wearing your new Stilo helmet, give your head a bit of a wobble and move around. Does the helmet remain stable? In position?
Or is there excessive movement in terms of the racing helmet moving out of position? If the helmet is moving around too much as you move your head, most definitely don’t take the approach; it will do for now!
It needs to fit snugly.
Fitting firmly on the cheeks
A new helmet can fit firmly on the cheeks at first; however, the helmet experts at Stilo's factory in Italy know that it needs to be bedded in.
Just like a pair of finely made leather shoes, they need time to slightly bed in and for the padding to change shape; the same goes for the cushioning within a helmet.
However, if your face looks squashed, you're uncomfortable, then back to the drawing board. The helmet will need to be resized.
What else will I need to buy to improve my helmet and racing experience in 2026?
Anti fog visors
Just like when you jump into a car on a winter's day, the windscreen can obscure your view of the road ahead is its covered in mist. However, racing helmets do not have heating systems, so anti-fog visors are required.
Anti-fog visors provide a better field of view by using specialist external coatings on the Stilo visors.
Helmet tear-offs
You could be driving the most sophisticated F1 car in the world, with hundreds of millions spent in terms of development costs.
However, a fly splattering across the visor could be the reason you lose vital seconds on your lap. Therefore, do you require a helmet with tear-offs so you can regain focus and start making up time?
Helmet cleaning
A motorsport helmet can be a big investment; it's what gives you greater confidence to keep your foot to the floor during acceleration, knowing you’ve bought the best safety kit that money can buy.
Therefore, after a good practice session or competition, some drivers like to clean their safety kit. This means cleaning the helmet and perhaps washing the rally car to bring it back to its full glory.
Helmet communication systems
Your racing team, friends or partner may want to give you tips and advice when you're out pushing the car to the redline. Therefore, in many motorsport helmets, such as those used in rallying, good-quality helmet communication systems are either already integrated or added by racing teams.
These systems are vital; they can be made by top brands such as Stilo. In themselves, rally radio communication systems are a vital piece of safety equipment. If you have crashed, these communication systems can help you get in touch with base and organise the help you need.
Spoiler kits
Spoiler kits can help reduce drag, improving your helmet's aerodynamics.
Replacement liners
Rally cars are built tough. In the 1990’s, the legendary Subaru Impreza WRX/WRX STI was built tough as old boots.
However, as any mechanic will tell you, no matter how tough a car is built, even in this golden era of car production, cars will need replacement parts during rally stages, such as a new front bumper and radiator after the rally car has hit the ground after a colossal jump.
Your rally helmet and motorsport helmets are the same; they also need replacement parts from time to time, such as replacement liners.
The internal liners of, say, a rally helmet can get worn, deteriorate, and, well, to be frank, start to smell without proper care. Imagine, for example, all the sweat the helmet lining absorbs; replacement liners are therefore needed in 2026.
Thankfully for our customers, we don’t just retail some of the best helmets on the planet; we stock all the helmet accessories you will ever need. From extensions and wires to help reconnect your radio communications, through to liaising with our top suppliers such as Stilo to get your helmet repadded and the internals replaced.
If you need a brand-new motorsport helmet, come to the experts, come to Nicky Grist Motorsports.
Do call us on 01981 241 040 if our friendly and knowledgeable team can help you further.
We simply know everything there is to know about racing helmets. So, whether you want to buy a new karting helmet for your son or daughter, or you want us to send you a sizing chart for the latest full carbon helmet made by Stilo, call our team today and we will do our best to answer your queries and if you can make it to our premises you will even get a free helmet fitting session.
