Tom Talks: The World's Best Formula 1 Helmet Collection

Welcome back to another instalment of our Tom Talks series.
Today, we have something new for you. On this episode we're not featuring another great car, but the topic of discussion in many ways is more special!
We recently acquired the worlds best helmet collection and on this episode, we're going to share with you some of the highlights from that collection.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy as we discuss helmets worn and raced by icons like Ayrton Senna, Lewis Hamilton, Niki Lauda, Michael Schumacher, and many more!
We hope you enjoy todays episode and let us know below which helmet you love the most!
#formula1 #f1 #senna

[@ivanylassirenas]

I got a replica of Senna's helmet myself, I use it every day to ride my motorcycle. Since the day it got delivered to me people everywhere ask me about it and say good things, and I've been the most happy chap. Having said that, I can not even imagine how special and beautiful must be having an original one wore by him. A great hug from Argentina, Tom. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and the same passion.

[@TheAOliv]

SENNA THE GOAT. SENNA FOREVER! OH THAT RACE AND THAT HELMET!

[@humbertocarlos5775]

Lindo o seu depoimento.... parabéns!!! Saudações da cidade do Senna.... São Paulo.

[@WesOKT]

Using a car / karting helmet on a bike is very dangerous. Stop doing it unless it’s made for motorbike use

[@studlydudly]

Nelson Piquet's helmet, always been my favourite.

[@michaelpashut4763]

Stand out best in my view.. Just magnificent

[@P3u99]

Amazing ! I could see how emotional you got about the Senna helmet. And it is indeed undisputed how special it really is. Thank you so much for this episode

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Our pleasure!

[@P3u99]

Like so many of your cars, some of the helmets would be difficult to part with at any price (almost)

[@iancrichton]

WOW, what a fantastic collection. And that Donnington Senna helmet is next level.

[@marcelochagas7641]

Fantastic collection! Side by side, Emerson Fittipaldi, José Carlos Pace, Nelson Piquet and Senna's helmets! What a lovely picture!

[@arride4590]

Ayrton Senna helmet is the most popular and recognizable helmet in the world. Even if you ask someone who doesn't follow motorsport, that person will know that yellow helmet belongs to Ayrton Senna.

[@benquayle5315]

Looks like a copy of Bruno sennas

[@guygroot]

I always loved Piquets helmet. Drawed it many times

[@MadMaxMovieReactions]

For sale rn on f1 authentics

[@canalaerocast]

Thank you for this entertaining video. This is a dream. Piquet and Senna were pure racing drivers indeed.

[@johnnyd.9501]

I just spotted the Michael Schumacher helmet David Coulthard wore at the 1996 Monaco Grand Prix. Talk about an unique piece of F1 history…

[@ozeskiman]

What an incredible collection. So much history, so many great drivers represented. Thanks for sharing it. Toms enthusiasm is evident.

[@Phillliiieeep_]

Great collection, wow! The 'Schumacher' helmet, next to Senna's, is the one that Coulthard wore in Monaco 1996. DC's helmet's were fogging up inside, so he asked to borrow one of Michael's. You can tell by the 'Kenwood' sponsor on the visor and it doesn't have 'M.Schumacher' on the bottom white layer next to the 'Marlboro' logo. Also, the DVAG logo is covered up on the side of the helmet.

[@johnatherton1677]

Please can you make a series on the stories and history of other Helmets ? You have so many it would be fascinating. 20 mins is simply not enough. Brilliant Watch for any F1 fan !

[@jeshkam]

Best helmet collection...IN THE WORLD. 😊 Jokes aside, that picture of Jochen in Monaco - isn't it stunning? I truly wish time travel was possible, not just because I love everything about 1970s, but also because I regard the sound of 70s F1 as the best racing engine noise ever.

[@azynkron]

That GP at Donnington is one of the best races in my collection. The Williams cars greatly outpaced all the others that season and they were just as much better, if not even more, in the rain as on dry tarmac. McLaren did a master class in race tactics and Senna had one of his best races in his career. The first lap, 5th to 1st in one lap, is legendary.

[@Akira42]

What a stunning collection. I just spent the whole time spitting expletives, literally. There are no words.

[@sja9836]

I remember watching the European Grand Prix Donnington Park at home that Sunday in 1993 and the rain there. We were all cheering Senna on. Excellent episode Tom. Loved it.

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Who wasn't cheering Senna on! We're glad you loved it.

[@Pwg1985]

Add a Dale Earnhardt helmet. And it would be something. But I wish you would have showed the James Hunt a little better

[@mytinplaterailway]

Great to see these - thank you. If I had to choose just one, it would be Elio's helmet - underneath Gilles.

[@klaseronen7535]

Would I want to own the Donington helmet Senna wore? Yes I certainly would. On the other hand I would give it away any day and preferably to Ayrton himself if he would walk into the room alive and well. 🇧🇷🏆💖

[@yucch1138]

Thank you for such a great video. especially, when you introduced SENNA's helmet, it gaves me chills and I was not able to stop my tears. Just incredible.

[@bowlock9901]

Stunning collection but man, that Donnington Senna is grail worthy. Thanks for all you do Tom. The passion you exude is tangible.

[@chrisclermont456]

What a delightful video!!! I see so many helmuts from drivers I've actually watched race in a GP like John Watson, Michele Alboreto, Didier Pironi, Keke Rosberg, Nigel Mansell, Elio deAngelis, the white Niki Lauda comeback helmet from 1982, and others!! I'm in tears!! ❤❤

[@Pfigueira78]

Piquet’s design is awesome… legendary. The most beautiful of all. What a collection!!! Cheers

[@blackdog9951]

As a lifelong racing enthusiast, it is incredible to see this collection of racing history. So many Legends and the stories that these helmets can tell of those incredible glory days. A thousand thanks for sharing this with us!

[@solsol1624]

Amazing. My two heros in the thumbnail, Barry and Ayrton. Incredible to hear how long they kept the same lid for in the past, and how often they change them now, seems very wasteful.

[@ARUSApacecarHAMPTON]

Would be incredible to see the historical helmets from F1 , Indy and NASCAR in one big museum or on a big museum exhibition tour.

[@michaelrasmussen9679]

We need a daily maybe two helmets a week or so for amazing returning content....Just a FYI, cause I'm in.

[@1greenMitsi]

I like how he stopped at schumachers helmet when he started talking about the most valuable helmet....to then reach back for senna's :)

[@patrickmorris3721]

I had just started to get into F1 when Senna accident happened. I not knowing much about rules or drivers. But I know the world had lost someone special in how people were reacting to Senna passing. And when he arrived back in Brazil 🇧🇷 for his funeral. You knew what he was all about Different time and completely different drivers. (Different gravy) First time seeing your podcast 👍😀thanks Tom.

[@dietpepsivanilla3095]

If you're not familiar with Ayrton Senna, you don't deserve to be a racing fan.

[@SirReginaldBumquistIII]

Yeah, to hell with children who have yet to learn about him. Imbeciles!

[@F1YMS]

Thank you for sharing this, it was a great upload.

[@NelsonAlmeida]

Incredible video!!! I already knew that Senna's helmet was the the icing on the cake but i never expected that was THIS helmet in particular!!! I though for a moment that the host would put Senna's helmet among Hamilton's helmets since Senna's was the inspiration for Hamilton's! Anyway, stunning video!!! Congratulations!!!

[@flavialuz888]

Saudades do Ayrton. Ver o capacete é magico.

[@richardmortimer8147]

Almost a complete 'Who's Who' of F1. Would be good to add a Fangio, a Moss, a Clark and a Stewart to complete the set.

[@philippemarois5828]

Absolutely incredible collection!

[@carza355]

As usual absolute pleasure to hear your passion for cars and now memorabilia. Thanks for sharing.

[@secretagentbloke]

Amazing that you have the 93 Senna helmet, especially considering your proximity to Donington

[@anatoliecherdevara1596]

Can't believe how passionate Tom is , love it

[@BumblebumBear]

One of the best you tube videos I’ve seen in a while. Total passion…well presented. Excellent

[@ellmoreable]

I was a lucky 9 year old boy that went to Donnington in 93 and witnessed Senna, amongst many others. What a weekend that was! So happy I took photographs of that day, Lucky to have some Senna ones. I'll always remember needing to cover my ears because of the engines. That same year I watched Mansell at Donnington, we were stood right opposite where his huge smash was, I was horrified! It's definitely times like that when I really appreciate what my parents did for us kids. Saying that, my family were huge F1 fans, my dad always had 2 TV'S next to each other. One for BBC picture and one for Eurosport commentary because he couldn't stand Murray Walker haha. Those were the days, take me back! Aghhhh

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Sounds like you had a great time!

[@richardmortimer8147]

I had a red 'Star Wars' that I wore for 3 years in karting. So comfortable. Wish I still had it...

[@atwaredesign]

An incredible collection. As a designer of classic bold designs there are some greats here. I’d LOVE to seem them in person.

[@moisesoliveiraborher913]

I remember the Lauda, Piquet and Schumacher...

[@jouhannaudjeanfrancois891]

not saying Senna's helmet is not genuine, and i could be mistaken, but from what i know, it should have the "painted by Sid - Brazil" signature - helmets never left his studio without it. that beeing said, what a splendid collection...😍

[@mrbipolarmattyhoward6071]

The value of the collection must be in the millions tens of millions unbelievable collection.

[@cutlass8783]

The Rindt helmet might be the same one he wore when he and NART Ferrari won Le Mans in 1965

[@nutbehindthewheel]

A “talk” with a difference . A remarkable collection and some really interesting detail and history. Thanks for sharing .

[@theroadahead6033]

Wow! That collection is just a dream come true topped by Ayrton's Donington Helmet. Your a lucky man Tom!

[@sen5908]

Fantastic collection, I think I would have a security guard minding that lot 24/7 The Senna one is amazing, you said he fell out with the supplier etc, would that be Sid of Brazil. As lots of them used to have painted by Sid on the side

[@Mike-dn4ju]

The Benneton livery helmet in the bottom row is super cool.

[@borismcfinnigan3430]

That is pretty much the Holy grail Senna lid. Shoei X four Quattro is a great looking helmet especially in those colours.. Personally i would like one of his green trimmed Rheos lids or his pre season Bell Vortex but WOW.

[@scottyskydog]

Absolute pleasure to see this an hear the history behind each helmet! Brings back memories and history of this sport! Thank you!

[@kurtflahavin5994]

Another thing why it was a Senna 1993 helmet was that on top of his visor was the Kenwood sticker instead of the Honda sticker that he had from 1987-1992. But Honda left McLaren at the end of 1992 & McLaren used Ford engines in 1993. So that's why Senna had the Kenwood sticker on his visor for the one & only year in 1993. By the way Senna's legendary yellow helmet is one of the very best motor racing helmets of all time.

[@Matt-jy7zl]

Unbelievable stuff the story of the Senna helmet along with Damon Hills race car is incredible

[@donovanf1]

What an amazing collection Tom, your history of the helmets made it a superb video. The Senna helmet is my favourite as he was a unique driver and I did watch his Donington race on TV and was astounded at his ability in the wet. At the time I used to deliver demonstration vehicles for Vauxhall and I had the job of delivering a Vauxhall Lotus Carlton from the factory in Luton to Donington Park to a racing school. It was going to be used as the course car during the weekend. It was already the fastest accelerating car I had driven and it was going to be chipped so it developed nearly 500 horsepower. That was the first and last time I drove a lotus Carlton

[@EvgeniWagner]

Tarquini, Ghinzani, Groulliard, you do have a deep collection man 👍🏻

[@coko7497]

Amazing collection, thank you for showing to us. It's pure enjoy listening stories about helmets. Please do more episodes 🙂

[@johnandrews3568]

I wish you could have spoken more about the provenance of Gille's helmet and maybe some history on GPA. I know a shop in Toronto had one of Gille's few Ferrari helmets as well as one of his Ferrari suits. Uber rare!

[@gavinhall6082]

An absolutely brilliant video - what an utterly incredible collection and I love the immense knowledge, humility and passion which Tom Hartley Jnr displays. I actually found it quite moving seeing this collection and thinking about some of the all-time motorsport greats this video featured - thank you so much.

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Our pleasure!

[@andrewscoley]

Great video Tom. I met Gilles Villeneuve at Hockenheim in 1981 and was at Donington in 1983. Gilles' has always been my favourite helmet design, mainly because he was my favourite driver by a country mile. Your enthusiasm for this collection is very evident and I'm glad I stumbled across the video.

[@r7coo]

You forgot to mention another stand out helmet.The one next to the Senna one. DC borrowed it off Michael Schumacher to race in the 96 Monaco gp.

[@marycrush906]

Wow... Chills from seeing this!!! Amazing collection

[@timothywhalen9352]

An incredible history, thanks for sharing!

[@tonysmith7739]

Wow what an amazing collection and your knowledge is incredible

[@misterdog7]

Fascinating! Thank you for the tour

[@ChristySarpong]

THANKS FOR SHARING..WE LOVE FOR YOU TO GO THROUGH EACH ONE THANKS AGAIN. GOOD HISTORY

[@TheFryt666]

KZbin recommended this video to me and it was worth watching. Absolutely stunning collection, the best part of it is such variety - from legends of the sport, to the lesser known drivers and drivers only know by the hardcore enthusiasts of the sport. I could pay any money to watch the video of every single helmet's history or read a book about this. Hats of to you sir and all the best!

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Thanks so much!

[@ACE1972]

What an incredible memorabilia, too many memories from the past came to me now, stunning collection, even the cars, full of F1 history inside this garage. I could spend days there, just admiring and remembering those good times 👏👏👏

[@andersoncordeiro3707]

Incrível a sua coleção de capacetes. Gostei muito! Para mim, o capacete do Nelson Piquet é o mais belo. Parabéns!!!!

[@hilgardmuller1898]

amazing history thanks to your family also your input in the industry of super cars

[@lewisbowditch694]

Amazing collection and history from all of those helmets. This would be my dream to even come close to a fantastic collection, Thank you so much for sharing with us 👏👏

[@alexbernadina3082]

When helmets were recognisable. I even saw a Jantje Lammers helmet!

[@ezequielu9061]

Wow! Even the Reutemann's one....WOOOOOOW!!! 4:50

[@rondee]

A long time ago, there used to be a website where you'd do quizzes about F1 and match helmet designs with drivers names. It was so much fun!

[@robertconquest2220]

Amazing collection. Learned something new about Senna’s helmet too. Look forward to the next special video.

[@bleonard1975]

Another great video, thanks for sharing your fabulous collection. I really admire your passion, it's evident in everything you do. The detail and knowledge your able to pass along on all those cars and now the legendary helmets is extraordinary. The Senna helmet is historic, of course, but my favorite would be the Graham Hill. Cheers!

[@moisesoliveiraborher913]

So much history ❤! Fantasic work!!

[@Brycexavier1112]

Amazing collection, it’s refreshing to see such a diverse collection of helmets race worn by so many great figures in the sport, however Lewis didn’t win Spa ‘07 (Raikkonen won that Grand Prix).

[@bdav9147pug1]

Fantastic video - did i spy a Mick Doohan helmet?

[@alexbrady8893]

When you started the video, I wondered if you’d had to buy the whole collection to get the Senna helmet. I hadn’t anticipated it being ‘that helmet’. Really fantastic and like many have said thanks for sharing, it would be all too easy for these things to disappear and never be seen again.

[@mick35w]

Wow what an amazing collection and a great video, thanks for sharing

[@maseraticc2834]

Wow what fabulous collection Tom. Love your passion and love for these special items, and your knowledge too! Brilliant episode, thank you for posting! 🙏👋👍

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Thank you kindly!

[@nordimejia5790]

I liked when driver has a Helmet design and stick to it. Hakkinen had a really nice one.

[@slyox66]

What a staggering collection of helmets with such history, I'm absolutely gobsmacked. Elio, Gilles, Ronnie, I'm completely lost for words, thank you so much for sharing this video

[@pratapsinhgaekwad645]

Absolutely stunning ! So much history and a amazing to see so many special helmets in one place . Loved this episode . Will you be looking to sell any of these ? Best wishes

[@michaelbarber6200]

Mind blown fantastic collection Tom

[@nervo6321]

Just fantastic…I personally found this video very emotional.

[@mariussolomon5398]

What a collection. 👏👏👏and all the history. Thanks.

[@clique53]

This has got to be my favourite Tom Talks!! I got goosebumps just watching and seeing the collection. Love to be able to visit one day!!

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@reneboekhorst7989]

Magnificent collection. So great of you to share this with the world! 👏🏻

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

We love to share stuff like this!

[@GuyEvans-pr5zo]

Now you need a Schumacher’s 2004 campionship winning helmet

[@ronaldneehao9723]

Wow what a special collection Tom thanks for sharing with us all 😅

[@Jackbyrne77]

Great video. The “Star Wars” design helmet was around for more than one year. Elio De Angelis is the driver most associated with that style of helmet in F1 and was racing it for multiple years from 1979-1984.

[@BatmanTM]

wonderful collection, so much history in one place🔥🏆

[@stevenkaufman8336]

Thank you. This is an amazing collection.

[@nickdeluna8681]

WOW! That whole racing helmet collection does bring a lot of memories for a lot of legendary F1 race drivers does bring the sport into a huge reality!

[@jaypatil150]

Great collection but missed Schumacher. 😔

[@johnsmith1474]

Please do the story of one helmet each of your next 100 videos, it would be priceless.

[@HAWGGY85]

Thank you for the informative video. Outstanding collection!

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Thanks for watching!

[@genarofernandez4312]

Amazing collection, I hope when you come to Spain visit Chelsea 1979

[@stiloofficial]

This is great to see!!