‘Uglier’, ‘safer’ is the verdict

Abu Dhabi – Lewis Hamilton (above) and Sebastian Vettel agreed this week next season’s Formula One halo-carrying racing cars will be uglier, but safer – and joked about their on-track clashes during this year’s world title tussle.

The two four-time champions spoke at a news conference ahead of this weekend’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix where the Briton is hoping to claim his 10th win of the season for Mercedes.

Vettel, who won the Brazilian Grand Prix two weekends ago, aims to beat him and secure runners-up spot in his Ferrari.

Both were in a light-hearted mood, with Hamilton suggesting he is aiming for a fifth title next year when, according to a grinning Vettel, he and Ferrari will enjoy a “walk in the park” if they can match or improve on their progress in 2017.

But they were serious about the future looks and safety of the cars.

“It’s the last time where the cars will look good,” said Hamilton, looking ahead to the race.

“I think, from next year, it’s all downhill in terms of how it looks, but safety will go up at least.”

Vettel agreed: “I think the cars will look different next year. Everything I’ve seen looks different, but on the other hand I think it’s something we will get used to.

“It’s no doubt the cars look better the way they are now, but I’m sure that we’ll get used to it. We’ll work on the aesthetics so that it will look fine. In the end it’s probably less of a big deal.”

F1 is introducing the “halo”, a cockpit protection device, to prevent flying debris from hitting the drivers. –