‘F1 ‘halo’ robust, can take weight of a bus’

Formula One’s new driver head-protection ‘halo’ device is so robust that it can take the weight of a double-decker bus, according to Mercedes’ technical head James Allison.

“This is not a light piece of work, it is several kilograms of titanium that need to be put on the car,” the Briton said.

“We had to strengthen the design of the chassis so that it would be able to take roughly the weight of a London doubledecker bus sitting on top...”

The halo, designed to shield a driver head’s from flying debris and the danger of being struck by bouncing wheels, will be making its Formula One race debut at the season-opener in Australia.

The look of the device, fixed at three points with its central upright in front of the driver and an overhead loop, has been criticised and compared to the thong on a flip-flop beach sandal.

Cockpit protection has become a priority since the deaths of drivers in other series after being hit by wheels and flying debris.

LONDON:

‘F1 ON RIGHT TRACK WITH GRID KIDS’

McLaren boss Zak Brown has backed Formula One’s move to use “Grid Kids” instead of female models, seeing it as a positive step towards broadening the sport’s appeal to a younger audience.

Formula One announced on Monday it would use budding racers to stand next to the drivers’ cars as part of the pre-race ceremonies.

The youngsters will be chosen by their national motorsport clubs on merit, or by lottery, from among those competing in karting or junior series.

“I think ‘Grid Kids’ is really good,” said Brown.

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