The introduction of the head protection device, known as the 'Halo', for the 2018 Formula 1 season was a prominent talking point as the paddock reconvened for the final pre-summer break event in Hungary.
Clearly with the teams having voted for some kind of frontal impact protection (FIP) to be implemented in 2018 during the 2016 season, the FIA had to act.
As the Halo was the only system put forward that could pass the FIA’s impact tests (150nm frontal and 80nm lateral), this was the only viable option available, to be imposed on the teams by the FIA.
When asked during today’s FIA media briefing, by Motorsport Week sister title Motorsport Monday, FIA Race Director Charlie Whiting did not rule out other devices being used by the teams in the future, alongside the Halo, but stressed that he really didn’t care what they were called or how they looked aesthetically, so long as they passed the FIA’s testing requirements.
He could see no reason why something other than the Halo could be used instead, even during next season if a viable alternative is found.
Whiting did however clarify that neither the Red Bull inspired “Aeroscreen” nor the recently tested “Shield” on Sebastian Vettel’s Ferrari were capable of meeting the FIA’s standards.
Whether or not these options can be redesigned to meet the FIA’s criteria is as yet unknown but what is clear is, that the cars will appear in Melbourne sporting the Halo, no matter how much the drivers and team dislike the aesthetics.
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