FIA: Halo saved Leclerc from injury
The FIA’S investigation into the Belgian Grand Prix start crash has concluded the halo saved Charles Leclerc from being hit on the visor by Fernando Alonso’s endplate.
After weeks of analysis of video footage and data from the cars involved, the final report on the accident has concluded the halo did play a crucial role in saving Leclerc from injury or worse.
The report by the FIA Global Institute, has given the clearest indication yet of how well the halo stood up to the crash.
Not only did the cockpit protection system remain “structurally intact and in a usable condition” following the 58kn impact from Alonso’s right front wheel – with Sauber able to remove the halo without issue after the event – it also helped deflect the Mclaren away.
The investigation concluded the front wheel would not have brought it into contact with Leclerc’s head, but it believes the Mclaren’s front wing endplate was on course for Leclerc’s visor.
The FIA’S safety director Adam Baker said: “We are confident that the wheel would not have hit Leclerc’s helmet. But, as Alonso’s car continued to yaw relative to Leclerc’s, we believe that Alonso’s front wing endplate would have just contacted Leclerc’s visor. It is difficult to predict the severity of the contact with any precision, though.”