Safety device divides F1

Melbourne, March 20 

It’s the most controversial Formula One introduction since the 2016 qualifying elimination clock, but unlike that ill-fated change the halo should last more than two races. The new cockpit head protection system, to give it its full name, is highly divisive: team principals, drivers and fans are split over whether it is the right safety solution when the new Grand Prix season roars into life in Melbourne this week.

After years of research and development, the FIA settled on the halo — a titanium and carbon fibre structure above the cockpit — to protect drivers from flying debris following the fatal crashes of Jules Bianchi at the 2014 Japanese GP and Justin Wilson in an IndyCar race in 2015.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is firmly among the halo haters. “If you give me a chainsaw I would take it off,” he said.

Motor racing purists are aghast because they say Grand Prix racing is supposed to be an open-cockpit formula; other fans moan it is just plain ugly; some drivers have said it restricts vision.

World champion Lewis Hamilton doesn’t like the halo’s looks but said: “We have known for some time it was coming and I think after a few races we will forget it is even there.” — AFP