GP4: 2021 US GP Updates Part 1

The US Grand Prix saw no less than 10 special helmets deployed by various drivers, by far the most of any race so far this season (that's if you don't count the first race!). I've been chipping away at recreating them quietly in the background over the past week and I can present to you some of the fruits of my labours. Hopefully the rest of them will be done before the next GP, no promises, but we'll see. 

In no particular order...

George Russell

George Russell  2021 US GP Helmet

First off we have Mercedes bound George Russell, with a new helmet harking back to the Wild West days in America. Designed  by MDM Designs, he said, "Wood and chrome effect thoughtout his standard layout, complete with the Sheriff star now we are in Texas ✍🏻💪🏻" 

It's an interesting choice of pallette, with a slightly orangey brown look.

With this one, I followed the same method I used for Lando's Turkish GP helmet, which saved me a lot of time. Ironically, it's not going to work for me on Lando's US GP helmet, but that's another story. Once I was happy with the layout, I had to create the alpha channel to make all the silver parts shiny.  

Download Link | (mirror)

Daniel Ricciardo

Daniel Ricciardo  2021 US GP Helmet

Ricciardo got to honour his hero Dale Earnhardt Sr, the helmet is heavily based on the original lid worn by 'The Intimidator'. Designed by Jens Munser Designs, he says, "The silver/red line on the bottom of Daniel’s helmet is based on the livery of Dale’s No.3 Goodwrench Chevy."

It's the first Danny Ric helmet I've done this year (I didn't do the McLaren Monaco GP specials), but thankfully, as you can see, there's nothing too complicated with this one. The only real challenge was the lightning at the rear of the helmet. With all the matte helmets this year, it's nice this one has a bit of a shine to it. 

Download Link | (mirror)

Nikita Mazepin

Nikita Mazepin  2021 US GP Helmet

Nikita Mazepin sports a US inspired version of his helmet, with a rattlesnake texture in red, the long cattle horns on the Haas logo on the front, a lucky horseshoe on the top and rear, and a cowboy hat on the side Haas logos. Nikita explains, "it's the same orange but with more flouro on a white base this time". 

Having not really departed from his style, I had a good starting point from the previous special helmet I did of his. I was quite happy to find the source clip art of the horseshoe, as there were no good angles of that part of the helmet.  

Download Link | (mirror)

Charles Leclerc

Charles Leclerc  2021 US GP Helmet

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc is marking the 20th anniversary of his sponsor, Richard Mille a watch manufacturer, with his helmet.

This helmet follows the style of his early season helmet with subtle changes, so I was able to quickly get the main template done. It was just then a case of adding the clockwork patterns and the top of the helmet after that. I do like the clockwork blueprint effect. 

Download link | (mirror)

Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso  2021 US GP Helmet

Following the volcanic eruptions on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands, Fernando Alonso has had a special design produced which will be auctioned to raise money for those affected. He says, “So I will wear the helmet this weekend. I will launch a platform where people can donate some money and the helmet will be also in an auction on November 4th to raise more money, so each of us can help.”

Another first helmet of the season for me, and the first Fernando Alonso helmet I've painted since 2005 I think. I love this helmet it's simple yet effective, completely different yet still the same usual design especially from a far off. Simple details like the lava forming a heart shape on the rear is a nice touch. It was a little tricky with some of the joins, but I'm really quite happy with how this one turned out. 

Download Link | (mirror)

As with all these helmets, it wouldn't be possible without Jvinu's amazing shapes and templates. Thanks to Jvinu's foresight, these are compatible with ACSPRH helmets for Assetto Corsa too.