F1, Sportrik Media - Carlos Sainz is testing a Stilo helmet during pre-season running in Bahrain as he prepares for the 2026 Formula 1 campaign with Williams. The Spaniard had previously been using Bell equipment, including throughout last week’s test at the same venue.
In the current test, Sainz has been seen wearing the Italian manufacturer’s product, as shown on the team’s official social media channels. The move signals a potential supplier change involving the most critical piece of personal safety equipment in single-seater racing, particularly significant ahead of a regulation cycle introducing new technical demands.
No final decision has been taken regarding whether Sainz will formally join Stilo’s customer roster. However, the timing of the evaluation in the closing stages of pre-season testing suggests a detailed assessment is ongoing, covering ergonomics, weight distribution, ventilation efficiency, and integration with the latest cockpit safety systems.
Should Sainz proceed with the switch, he would join a group that already includes Lance Stroll and returning Valtteri Bottas. Bell remains the most widely used helmet supplier on the grid, maintaining a majority presence among drivers.
Schuberth has also expanded its footprint this season, notably through its partnership with Max Verstappen. The ongoing shifts among helmet manufacturers underline the technical refinements taking place behind the scenes, as teams and drivers finalise every performance and safety detail ahead of the 2026 season opener.
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