F1 cars will reportedly be fitted with a further development of the 'halo' cockpit protection system in 2017. Germany's Auto Motor und Sport said the decision was taken by the FIA as well as team technical directors during a five-hour meeting at Monaco's Novotel hotel on Friday.
The decision to definitely push ahead with a controversial covering for the premier open-cockpit formula followed a scary incident in Thursday practice, when a flying metal drain cover was hit by Jenson Button's car.
"We must make sure that the risk for all of us (drivers) is reduced to the minimum possible," fellow F1 veteran Fernando Alonso told RTL broadcaster.
The 2017 'halo' will in fact be a development of the black carbon version seen on the Ferrari earlier this year, in stylised titanium and possible to open via a hinge.
But it is believed the Red Bull-devised 'aeroscreen' - favoured by many in the pitlane - is still in the running to replace the halo for 2018 and beyond.
The Red bull design is the currently the best design, it would've protected Massa, Bianchi, Alonso and benefited many other drivers.
it would be great if they can make the design slide forward for getting out of the car, help recovery workers access the driver in a roll over.
F1 fits with the fighter pilot style bubble like the RedBull design, after all they are in dog fights while flying around a track.
RBR design has an issue, the air rushing over it has high speed and therefore low pressure, it would cause the air in the driver's cockpits to be sucked out to the rear of the car as the cockpit is now a high pressure low speed air zone. Not good for the health of the driver. Unless they compensate by having an S-duct going into the cockpit area through the nose cone. This then becomes and area to exploit for aero gains. The Ferrari design puts an end to an arms races in that area. Probably why FIA rejected RBR idea. From a safety perspective RBR idea seems the best.
Local time
Local time
Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
mclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
RBR design has an issue, the air rushing over it has high speed and therefore low pressure, it would cause the air in the driver's cockpits to be sucked out to the rear of the car as the cockpit is now a high pressure low speed air zone. Not good for the health of the driver. Unless they compensa... [Read more]