FIA President has spoken up in support of the Halo and related safety measures that prevented what could have been a tragedy with regards to recent big accidents, including the lucky escape by Charles Leclerc after the massive Turn 1 pile-up on the opening lap of the Belgian Grand Prix.
The Halo on Leclerc's Sauber Halo showed evidence of tyre marks, a testament to the unpopular safety device's effectiveness.
Todt told MN, “If you see Alonso’s crash in 2016, if you see Ericsson [last] Friday, you should spend some time and realise how amazing it has become and the progress that has been done. It is not taken for granted.”
“A few decades back, after that, drivers would not be there. It would be a big pain, because what was acceptable 40 years ago would not be acceptable now. And it could maybe mean that motor racing would be banned. Things have changed. So we must consider that.”
Todt acknowledged that the Halo did divide opinions as it tinkered with the age-old open-cockpit ethos of Formula 1, while aesthetically an eye-sore for any.
He reflected, “Sometimes, the frustrating thing is that when it was done, they [drivers] were not so much convinced. But in a way we respect what they do and they should respect what we try to do. We did it because we were convinced it was a good thing."
“And maybe you know, it changed a little bit the design of the car. But honestly I love racing, I love F1. I am not in shock when I see a car with the halo."
“My concern was, do they miss some visibility because of the halo? We did not want to introduce something where you improve some safety side, but you may jeopardise another one."
"And they did not have any concerns. So for me it was obvious. And sooner or later we knew that something would happen," added Todt.
Latest News
Loading
