The Hidden Details of Racing Suit Design: Why Do Racing Suits Have Pockets?

Racing suits are iconic in motorsport, providing a unique blend of safety, performance, and style. However, if you’ve ever looked closely, you might notice unexpected features.

I remember clearly: On Sunday, 30 June 2024, I stumbled upon a video on the Formula E Instagram story featuring driver Sacha Fenestraz warming up before the Portland ePrix (you can find the video here). While seeing the Franco-Argentinian finishing up his stretches, I noticed a distinct and unexpected detail on his suit: pockets! This sight piqued my curiosity — why would a racing suit feature pockets? They surely can't bring phones or keys into the cockpit when driving, can they? So what are they used for?

Intrigued by the subject, I reached out to Formula E presenter Saunders CB during his Live At The Pits segment on Instagram to ask Fenestraz about it. The presenter promised to get an answer as soon as the driver arrived on sight, but unfortunately, Sacha Fenestraz did not make it to the pits in time to be asked the question. Left with my question unanswered, I decided to dig deeper into the topic of racing suit design myself, with a special focus on pockets.

The Collaborative Process Behind Racing Suit Design

The design of racing suits involves a collaborative effort between manufacturers, racing teams, sponsors, and drivers. The result is a personalised garment that has to meet rigorous standards for safety, performance, and branding.

1. Race Suit Manufacturers:

   • Brands: Companies like Sparco, Sabelt etc. are known for producing high-quality racing suits. Suit manufacturers prioritise features like fire resistance, breathability, and comfort while offering customisable templates.
   • Customisation: Teams usually customise the templates offered by these brands to meet their specific needs and wishes. This customisation process may include the addition of pockets, which can serve multiple purposes beyond mere aesthetics (more on that later).

2. Racing Teams:

   • Team Branding: The visual design of a racing suit is crafted to reflect the team’s overall livery and branding strategy. The inclusion of pockets can enhance the look, making the suit appear more technical and functional and providing extra space for logos or other design features.

3. Sponsors:

   • Logo Placement: Major sponsors like tcs, NEOM etc. can require specific logo placements. Pockets offer extra real estate for these logos, providing subtle yet effective branding opportunities.
   • Design Constraints: The need to accommodate sponsor logos can sometimes limit space on the suit, making pockets a strategic addition for balancing aesthetics and functionality.

4. Drivers:

   • Personal Touches: Many drivers like to personalise their suits with unique elements, such as tributes or special symbols. Pockets further provide a discrete space for these custom features.
   • Special Edition Suits: For special races, drivers and teams may collaborate on one-off edition suits, often incorporating unique themes for the occasion.

Why Do Racing Suits Have Pockets? Unpacking the Mystery

So, why include pockets in a racing suit?

1. Pre-Race Utility:

   • Before drivers get into the car, they may use the pockets to hold small items like earplugs, notes, or even their hands to keep warm. During pre-race ceremonies or interviews, these pockets provide a handy space for stashing small personal items temporarily.

2. Branding Opportunities:

   • Pockets offer additional space for sponsor logos. This subtle marketing area is valuable for sponsors, providing extra visibility during close-up shots or podium celebrations. This subtle branding can be a valuable asset in a sport where sponsor visibility is crucial.

3. Design Aesthetics:

   • Pockets add a utilitarian, rugged feel to the suit, enhancing its technical appearance. Even when not in use, they break up the suit’s solid colours and add depth, contributing to a more dynamic and appealing design.

4. Driver Comfort:

   • Pockets can additionally offer a sense of psychological comfort to drivers, making the suit feel more familiar. In the high-pressure environment of a race track, even small comforts can help drivers feel at ease before a race.

Balancing Form and Function: The Role of Pockets in Racing Suits

The seemingly minor detail of a pocket might appear unnecessary at first glance, but it serves multiple purposes, from providing pre-race utility to enhancing visual appeal and offering extra branding space. This small feature exemplifies the meticulous design process involving race suit manufacturers, teams, sponsors, and drivers, all collaborating to create a garment that is as functional as it is iconic and unique.

Every element of a racing suit, down to the smallest details like pockets, reflects the intricate balance between tradition, technology, and marketing in motorsport. It’s a testament to the precision and thoughtfulness that goes into every stitch, blending practicality with branding in every aspect of motorsport apparel.

So, the next time you watch a race, take a closer look at the drivers’ suits. Those little details, like the pockets, might seem inconsequential, but they showcase the careful design choices that contribute to the art and science of racing. The humble pocket is a small yet significant part of what makes a racing suit both practical and iconic.