The "Halo" Concept

The “halo” concept has divided opinions both on and off track, with most drivers coming out in favour of safety over looks whilst others would rather race without the device. Ferrari tested the controversial wishbone design at the second preseason test, the first time the design has been out in public.

The head protection concept was designed by Mercedes: a halo shaped loop which would protect the driver from certain types of debris, held up with a single central strut which would deflect head on impacts.

One of the main concern many pundits have is over visibility. Whilst the binocular effect would make the central beam practically invisible if the driver were looking directly ahead, the wide range of twists and turns Formula One will run through might make the halo a bit more of a problem.

Another concern is whether the halo would make it more difficult to get a driver out of the car following an accident, which could make matters worse instead of safer.

Testing will continue and other devices are being trialled in an effort to increase safety following the deaths of Henry Surtees and Justin Wilson last year.

But, at the moment, who’s for and against?

Sebastian Vettel, who trailed the halo at testing, is very firmly for.

"It's not the picture you are used to seeing for F1," he admitted. "I agree it doesn't look very nice.

"But if it helps increase the safety and helps save lives, there would be at least two drivers who would still be around - Henry Surtees and Justin Wilson - if we had this type of system.

"It can be ugly but nothing justifies not having these two guys around any more."

Williams' chief technical officer Pat Symonds is also pro-halo: "I think it's quite good. I always support us trying to improve safety on the cars. I've never been afraid of things that are different - I don't hold any traditional views of open cockpits or anything like that. I'm perfectly happy with it.

"It doesn't cover everything, but it's certainly a step forward. Whether ultimately a closed cockpit is better, for sure it's going to save someone's life.”

Current world champion, Lewis Hamilton, is less enthusiastic about the device, and argued it should be optional if it is brought in.

"I hope that's not what they bring out, I really do," he said. "But if it is, ultimately it's the drivers' protection so we should have a choice individually - I should be able to decide whether to put that on my car.

"It wouldn't be something I'd choose.

"I like it the way it is now - when I get in the car I know there's a certain risk. Safety is a very important issue for sure, but there are risks that we take and you have to decide how much of a risk you are going to take. I'd rather drive without it and risk it."

Nico Hulkenberg also thought the device would have a negative impact on Formula One.

"Don't do it. It sends the wrong message. F1 is very safe at the moment. It looks horrible, I don't like it and it's just one of these little personal things that I wouldn't like to see it.

"Safety standards in F1 are pretty high and very good, I'd be happy to accept those risks and keep running as we are."

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Article Written By: Bethonie Waring

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