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Lauda fears F1 will regret Halo decision

Published on 21 Jul 2017 10:45
4
By: Sam Gale

Niki Lauda has said that F1 will regret the implementation of the Halo device from next season.

On wednesday the FIA announce that it will be the Halo device used on all cars from next season after the Shield failed to make an impression as Sebastian Vettel got rid of it after one lap. The FIA had beforehand remained adamant that it would introduce some form of additional head protection for next season, be it the Shield or the Halo, and came to the conclusion the Halo would be the best option.

There have been many critics to this decision however, with the F1 strategy group and GPDA in particular opposed to the move. Lauda has today come out in opposition of the device as well, saying that F1 has been made as safe as possible, and the right solution to the problem had not yet been found.

He said: "There is 100 per cent a better solution than the Halo, we wouldn't have tried three things otherwise, therefore, it would be more sensible to go further in that direction and if we find something that does not destroy the looks, then it could be introduced in 2019. It's as simple as that. There is no reason to rush something we will regret later.”

He went on to say that becoming somewhat closed cockpit, is a bad idea saying: “The Halo destroys the DNA of a Formula One car. The FIA has made F1 as safe as possible. Also, the danger of flying wheels is largely ruled out, because the wheels are now more firmly attached [by wheel tethers]. The risk to the drivers is minimal. There is no doubt that you have to improve safety where you can. We tested the Halo, the Aeroscreen from Red Bull and Ferrari's Shield. No one has been 100 per cent convinced yet and you have to make the right decision in such a situation. The Halo is the wrong one. "

Sam Gale

F1 News Sebastian Vettel Ferrari

Replies (4)

SPERX

Posts: 21
I have been losing interest in F1 for a number of years now. Constant manipulation of the rules; the appalling hybrid engine sound; two or three years of racing being secondary to tyre management are examples of the reasons for my diminishing interest.

I am not some latecomer. I can remember watching F1 highlights in black and white in the mid 1960s; and have watched avidly most of my adult life, and I am now 61

I will give the halo era a chance but I suspect that this will be the final straw that breaks this camel's back. Moto GP beckons.
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- Jul 21 2017 - 12:47
- RogerF1
  
  Posts: 501
  Ditto all above and I'm 62. To add, no use making it faster if the racing is no closer than before and my opinion it's largely less so.
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  Jul 21 2017 - 23:48
NEXT SPARE VAMP

Posts: 1,874
Why did FIA suddenly made a decission whilst the shield was only tried by one driver? Isn't that very strange?
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- Jul 21 2017 - 20:48
Barron

Posts: 625
I'm 112 and I think they go to darned fast for me and are too quiet. Even with my ear trumpet turned full up and my nose pressed against the screen I still can't make out what's happening. It's got so bad lately I thought I was watching an F1 Grand Prix and it turned out to be a nature program on red ants. I think Nuvolari will win this year.
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- Jul 22 2017 - 15:31