Formula One racers, via the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association have been 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 changed since Bianchi’s crash, but now the drivers are pushing for a change to the cars.
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.
This design was tested by Ferrari and Kimi Raikkonen during the last winter test at Barcelona.
As is clear from the video on Sky Sports, the Halo does appear to obstruct vision of the driver, but Kimi Raikkonen appeared quite pleased.
‘Obviously it is a slightly different view and it is a little bit limited in the front, But there was surprisingly little difference.’ Raikkonen said after his two lap trial.
Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg was also positive about the first glimpse of the design: ‘It’s definitely needed, It’s a massive step in safety because most of the fatalities we’ve had in motor racing in the last few year this would have saved the vast majority.
‘You can say that visually it doesn’t look quite as good as it does now but with some changes it can. I’m all for it.’
Former Marussia driver and the team-mate of the late Jules Bianchi, Max Chilton said: ‘Couldn’t agree more Nico, I am sure full helmets looked strange after wearing goggles.’
But the Halo design does also have its critics.
Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner said: ‘We have tried it [the halo] in our simulator and we are concerned with some visibility issues on it. Safety and head protection is of crucial importance but l am not a fan of this system. I think F1 can do better than that. I think we can up something with more elegant,’
Whilst three-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton posted on Instagram: ?Please no! This is the worst looking mod [modification] in Formula 1 history. I appreciate the quest for safety but this is Formula 1, and the way it is now is perfectly fine.?
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