![]() ![]() ![]() Regrettably perhaps, it took a couple of near misses to soften opposition. The German’s opinion carries much weight, and the aero screen was duly dismissed faster than a Ferrari pit-stop. Those trials did not last long, at least not in F1, with four-time champion Sebastian Vettel complaining it obscured his vision. This iteration encompassed an aero screen which resembled the cockpit of a jet fighter plane. In a bid to appease the fiercest sceptics a modified version, designed by Red Bull no less, was trialled. Formula 4 is set to follow suit next year. Perhaps the most famous critic however was the late, great Niki Lauda, who felt the installation was against the spirit of open cockpit racing.Įven so, it was fast-tracked into competition and made mandatory in Formula’s 1, 2, 3 and E before the end of 2018. The halo was far from a popular addition however, drawing widespread criticism from many drivers, including a certain Romain Grosjean. The results spoke for themselves and it wasn’t long before the Dallara F2 2018 became the first racing car to debut the new cockpit protection device in Formula 2. ![]() Just as importantly, it displayed an ability to deflect large objects and guard against small debris. In the same period, the halo was found to be effective in preventing the head from coming into contact with a barrier in the ‘majority’ of cases. ![]() Incredibly, the survival rate for such incidents was shown to increase by as much as 17% with it installed.įor Formula 1 bosses, continuously looking to improve safety without compromising on speed, this represented a must-have. Indeed, a detailed testing phase saw the halo inserted into 40 simulations of real-life crashes. Moved to better protect drivers, the FIA were buoyed by early analysis. The decision to roll them out was taken following the tragic death of Ind圜ar diver Justin Wilson, who was struck by debris and killed in 2015. Instead the FIA call upon three external manufacturers to develop halos and a standard version is added to all 20 competing cars. Unlike most features on F1 cars, this is a universal part neither constructed nor modified by individual teams. This makes it the strongest single part of the car, one able to withstand the weight of a London bus – that’s 12,000kg in case you were wondering. Weighing just 9kgs, its formed of construction industry grade 5 titanium covered in carbon fibre. The bulky halo is hardly in-keeping with motorsport’s glamour image but what it lacks in beauty it more than makes up for in durability. It certainly proved its worth in Bahrain.Īn admittedly garish device, it surrounds the helmet and is connected by three points on the vehicle frame. It’s one and only purpose is to protect drivers’ heads. Introduced to motor racing in 2018, the halo is a curved bar that sits at the front of the cockpit. Simply put, Grosjean would not have survived the 53G impact without a long-maligned piece of protective kit. Either way, a halo of some description saved his life. Religious commentators might claim angels were looking out for the fortunate Romain. How had the 34-year-old walked away from a burning inferno? Moreover, how did he did so whilst suffering only second degree burns and bruising? Helped over the barrier by quick thinking stewards, he was immediately rushed to hospital.Īmidst universal relief the obvious question was how? Seconds into November’s Bahrain Grand Prix, the Swiss driver collided with rival Daniil Kyvaat’s Alpha Tauri, before hurtling into a nearby crash barrier at a speed of 137mph.Ī terrifying and potentially fatal accident, viewers feared the worst as the car not only split in half but burst into flames shortly after.Īs the watching world held its breath Grosjean, miraculously, emerged from the wreckage. Formula 1 is still reeling from the horror crash involving Haas driver Romain Grosjean. ![]()
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