Hello Halo – F1 opts for cockpit protection from 2018
PARIS: Formula One cars will have the Halo cockpit safety device installed in the 2018 world championship, the sport’s strategy group said Wednesday, despite reservations over its effectiveness.
The sport has searched for extra head protection for drivers in the last two years following the deaths of F1 driver Jules Bianchi and IndyCar racer Justin Wilson.
“Fol lowing the unanimous agreement of the Strategy Group, in July 2016, to introduce additional frontal protection for Formula One and the repeated support from the drivers, the FIA confirms the introduction of the Halo for 2018,” the group said in a statement.
“With the support of the teams, certain features of its design will be further enhanced.
“Having developed and evaluated a large number of devices over the past five years, it had become clear that the Halo presents the best overall safety performance.”
However, the inf luent ial Autosport magazine claimed that the majority of the 10 teams present at Wednesday’s meeting voted against the Halo, with the FIA pushing it through on safety grounds.
The Halo was first tested by Ferrari in 2016 with Red Bull boss Christian Horner describing it as “an ugly solution”. All teams have since trialled it.
Three- time world champion Lewis Hamilton originally gave the Halo, which is wishbone- shaped and gathers to a point at the front of the cockpit, a cautious welcome when he saw it last year.
“It doesn’t look like it belongs on a Formula One car... but I paid close attention. I take safety very, very seriously,” said the Mercedes star. — AFP