Vettel believes it's "ignorant and stupid" to ignore Halo
- Published on 27 Jul 2017 17:18
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- By: Sam Gale
Sebastian Vettel has come out in support of the Halo device that the FIA has said must be introduced next year.
Vettel is the only driver to have tested the Halo and the shield option that Ferrari created and was tested at the last race at Silverstone. Vettel complained of dizziness after using the shield for only one lap, and although he said the Halo he used at last year’s tests in Abu Dhabi weren't the final solution, did think it had more of an opportunity to improve.
He said on the device: "The halo test I did was last year in Abu Dhabi, and for sure you need to get used to it, but at least it didn't impact on vision. Obviously there's been a lot of talk as I got it.
"Overall you need to understand that it's a decision that helps us in car in case something goes very wrong. For sure if you look at Formula 1, the way Formula 1 cars look and so on, I can understand if people say that it doesn't belong on a Formula 1 car. On the other hand, I think times are changing, you are moving forward."
He then went on to mention the fatal injury suffered by former F1 driver Justin Wilson, who died in an accident in an IndyCar race that could possibly have been prevented by the Halo device. There has been only one driver death in F1 in the last 23 years, but a string of separate Formula incidents has led the FIA to deem that F1 cars need some form of additional head protection.
He elaborated on his point by saying: "If you offer the system as it stands, with the power it has to give us additional protection… offer that to Justin Wilson, sometime ago, then I think he would take it, and we would all be happy to take it, to help save his life. We can't turn back clock, but knowing that something is there that helps us in certain situations, it would be ignorant and stupid to ignore. Overall it's supposed to help us, so that's what we need to remember."
Sam Gale
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Replies (19)
Login to replyf1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
I think we'll get used to it pretty quickly
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Yes. Im not exactly fond of it, but if it does increase safety then by all means use it. We dont want another Bianchi to happen if possible.
f1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
Never.. The cars will still be as fast and will be able to race
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
What does concern me is that the new weight regulations do not account for the entire weight the Halo will bring to the table, 5 kg is alot in F1, but is dwarved by the remaining 15-20 kgs. That is bound to affect performance, in one way or the other.
f1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
Perhaps, especially when regulations are trying to lower the weight limit
dr002
Posts: 141
I understand what Vettel is saying in respect of fitting an available safety option that delivers a net safety gain to the driver, but whilst I’m no engineer, wouldn’t it be possible for the halo to deflect an object downwards into the head or body of the driver? Also, what happens if the car overturns and catches fire? I really can’t see how the halo would not obstruct a driver exiting an upside-down car.
I understand that in some circumstances it would protect the driver, but equally (whilst I know I am a layman) it seems to me that there may be situations where the halo could be to the detriment of the driver…..
I don't think there should be changes made for the sake of the 'appearance' that the FIA is doing 'something'....
NEXT SPARE VAMP
Posts: 1,874
FIA's got nothing to say about Indycar-racing, so introducing the halo will not protect any Indycar-driver.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Nope, but then again that isnt what they are saying. Indy wont have the Halos, but should an F1 driver suffer a similar crash to the one Wilson had, the Halo should prevent the driver from getting the sort of injuries that killed poor Wilson.
boudy
Posts: 1,168
F1 will now go through a lot of changes it will be interesting to see if the F1 magic will be retained through all of it. Not sure if this device will actually have a negative impact on something. Future will tell.
f1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
I dont think it will... Short term maybe, long term no.. Not when we're used to it. And if we're getting an intense title fight, it may even be forgotten
boudy
Posts: 1,168
I am not so sure about that; anytime you change the outside of a chassis it has an side effect. It affects the way that a driver inserts/exits a car. Also affects vision when there is height difference in the track. So this also means pherifiral vision is affected. It feels like the Fia has rushed into this.
f1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
Not so sure about the vision, drivers have had no issues with that
Bhurt
Posts: 320
Nice to see Vettel taking his community service seriously.
ianf1
Posts: 185
That made me laugh!
f1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
Good one haha
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Would this have prevented any injuries or fatalities in the last 20 or 30 years? Would it have saved Justin Wilson? Bianchi? I don't think so, which makes this even dumber. Now if I am wrong I would be happy to be corrected.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Apparently, according to simulations, it could've saved Bianchi. I hope this is the case, its utterly pointless to have it if it doesnt contribute.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Correction: it would likely not have saved Bianchi (neutral outcome), however, it would've saved Wilson.
Wolfgang
Posts: 313
and for example surtees...