Various reactions from drivers regarding the Halo
Yesterday was an opportunity to see for the first time a Halo protection on an F1 car, in this case on Kimi Räikkönen's Ferrari. While Nico Rosberg is very much in favor, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Hülkenberg have clearly positioned themselves against it.
With the immense progress in safety over the past decades, the drivers’ head has become the most vulnerable point. The tragic accidents of Henry Surtees and Justin Wilson have reminded us of this in recent years. That’s why the FIA has conducted extensive research to provide an additional protective structure.
The main question remains the visual integration of such protection. The test conducted on Kimi Räikkönen’s car aimed to evaluate the visual nuisance it could cause. While the Finnish driver considered the difference to be minimal from his point of view, it is not the same from the outside.
Nico Rosberg estimated that the outward appearance was not the most important thing. For him, safety is the most important: “I think it’s a huge step forward because of most of the deaths we’ve had in recent years in racing. It would have saved these people. So it’s a huge step forward, which is clearly necessary.”
But this opinion is not at all shared by his teammate, Lewis Hamilton. He used his Instagram profile to express himself, and the message is unambiguous: “No, please! This is the worst visual modification in F1 history. I respect the quest for safety, but this is Formula 1. The current situation is very good as it is.”
Nico Hülkenberg is also well-placed to comment as his participation in the recent 24 Hours of Le Mans gave him the opportunity to drive in a closed cockpit. However, he prefers the open cockpit concept: « Don’t do it. It sends the wrong message. F1 is very safe right now. It’s horrible, I don’t like it. It’s one of the small things I wouldn’t want to see. You can’t sterilize the sport. There has to be an element of danger. I think it’s sexy. That’s what Formula 1 needs. The safety standards in F1 are very high and very good. I’m happy to accept the risk and continue driving like that. »
We will see if the proposal put forward by Red Bull, which should be proposed in the near future, will receive more positive feedback.
With the participation of www.racingbusiness.fr
