Formula 1 is set to introduce the Halo cockpit protection device, but does it look like a flip-flop?
The move has proved controversial among fans, not only for the way it looks but also because it might hamper the driver's view.
Formula One racing will introduce the Halo cockpit protection device by 2017, designed to protect drivers from oncoming debris from a crash. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile, which is the global governing body for motor sport, in Monaco on Friday.
This comes as as a result of two tragic accidents that took place in the last couple of years in motor sport. Last year, IndyCar driver Justin Wilson, during a race in Pocono in the United States, sustained serious head injuries after being hit by flying debris, and died a few days later. At the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix, Formula One driver Jules Bianchi died after injuring his head in an accident.
Below is a prototype that Ferrari created in March this year for Kimi Raikonnen to test and a point of view from the cockpit:
The move has proved controversial among fans, not only for the way it looks but also for the understanding that it might hamper the view that drivers have of the track. Here are a few drivers talking about the device and most of them agree that while fans might not like it, many major accidents that have taken place over the last few years might have been avoided if the Halo cockpit was in place.
However, in the past, Lewis Hamilton has blasted the device for the aesthetics and questioned whether it will make the cars any safer than they are now.
Here is a prototype of Red Bull's Halo concept. Unlike Ferrari's version, it has a visor along with the frame. But it was rejected, because the visor might get dirty during the race and affect visibility. It also hasn't proven very successful in the test run, although plans are afoot to have it race-ready by 2018.
One criticisism levelled by fans is that it feels as if Formula One is becoming more automated, and that the level of fun and excitement in open cockpit racing should not be diminished. In this video blog titled Reasons I Hate the F1 Halo Concept, the blogger argues that "there is always going to be a little bit of risk. The cars are never going to be 100% safe. But it looks like a flip-flop, a sandal." She also asks how it could have prevented accidents when it is open on both sides.