F1 Drivers call for ‘Halo’ introduction

Formula One racers, via the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association are pushing for the introduction of head protection to Formula One.

Discussions regarding enclosed cockpits arise every so often, often prompted by tragic circumstances such as the death of Henry Surtees who was killed during a Formula Two at Brands Hatch in 2009. Or more recently Justin Wilson who was killed after he was struck be debris during an Indy Car race.

In Formula One, there has also been the tragic circumstances which led to Jules Bianchi’s eventual death last year.

Changes to procedure under yellow flags and the timing of events have changes since Bianchi’s crash, but now the drivers are pushing for a change to the cars.

‘The research the FIA experts have done is very thorough and the process has brought forward a clear solution, Now the drivers feel it’s time to implement the extra protection at the latest in 2017.’ Grand Prix Drivers’ Association chairman Alexander Wurz told the BBC.

The BBC report that the drivers preferred solution is dubbed the ‘Halo’.

The device has a vertical strut support in front of the driver and two arms curl around the drivers helmet towards the back of the car which provides some protection from debris.

‘Obviously structural changes are required to the chassis but, with almost a one-year lead time, I don’t see any technical person speaking against such substantial safety improvements, especially given the last big accidents in open-wheel racing involved head injuries.

‘So all the drivers, and I, hope that passing the additional head protection will be a formality.’