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Hamilton: Abu Dhabi race the last with good looking cars

Published on 23 Nov 2017 16:19
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By: Fergal Walsh

Four-time world champion Lewis Hamilton says that the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend will be the last race where the cars will look good. Next year, the controversial Halo will come into play, as the FIA looks to improve safety in motor racing.

The device has caused a stir in the paddock, with fans and drivers slamming it for its aesthetics. The Halo will also be used in Formula 2, a junior series that supports Formula 1 races on some weekends. It was confirmed last July that the Halo would be introduced next year.

Despite some drivers showing support for it, Hamilton has been a tough critic of the Halo, and thinks the look of the cars will go downhill from next year onwards: "It's the last of the years where it looks good, the last race where it'll look good," Hamilton said.

"I think from next year it's all downhill [but] safety will go up at least," he added. "Maybe I'll start a new flip-flop brand next year and be successful in some way.

Sebastian Vettel admits that the cars will indeed look a lot different next year, but doesn't think it will be as dramatic as people initially think. He added that drivers and fans will get used to the head protection.

"I think the cars will look different next year, everything I've seen so far looks different," said the Ferrari driver. "But on the other hand I think it's something we'll get used to, but no doubt the cars look better the way they are now. We'll work on the aesthetics so it'll look fine as well, so in the end it's probably less of a big deal."

Fergal Walsh

Barron

Posts: 625

I’m slightly uncomfortable with the idea that I might be going to a race meeting expecting someone might die and that this would be part of the attraction. Exciting for drivers risking death is one thing, but dying as a spectator sport? I’ll pass on that.

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Nov 24 2017 - 11:10

F1 News Lewis Hamilton Sebastian Vettel Ferrari

Replies (8)

calle.itw

Posts: 8,527
*Insert doomsday propheties here*
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- Nov 23 2017 - 17:28
Rindtchamp

Posts: 304
I foresee that the Halo will actually injure a driver before it helps them, mark my words this is a step backwards with regards to safety.
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- Nov 23 2017 - 17:46
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  I doubt that. When they test cars and parts, they have to ensure that they dont get flung onto the driver or otherwise harm them. And from the looks of it it'll likely not be able to crush a driver if the car gets turned up side down. If the Halo works as intended, I fear we at best might never know, and thus underestimate it's value. I have never crashed so far, so I myself dont know the actual value of using a seatbelt, but I still do it.
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  Nov 23 2017 - 19:46
- LightIsRight
  
  Posts: 113
  We talking about freak accidents, the halo could deflect an object down into the driver. Anything is possible.
  
  I see the same safety nonsense happening in most industries, over reaction that either hinders progress or even endangers people in other ways then. Safety should guide you, not rule over you.
  
  I have "tested" both 3 and 6 point belts and a Hans device. You get interesting bruises from the belts.
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  Nov 24 2017 - 05:15
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  Sure, but freak accidents like that can happen anyway. I suppose we'll have to find out if it is safer. But Im sure it wont ruin F1 as some say. The way I see it, greater safety means the drivers can push harder and do stunts they'd otherwise not dare doing, so if it works we might actually get better racing, which is the actual heart of F1. It sure is ugly, but I take good racing and safer drivers over looks any day. I've used some kind of racing belt, not sure which, and yes, I did get interesting bruises. Mind, I wouldnt want to be without it should something have gone awry.
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  Nov 24 2017 - 06:22
talktohenry

Posts: 362
They removing all the danger element which makes it what it is or was, Look at the Isle of Man TT in comparison, F1 losing it's excitement by the year, too much health and safety just takes away it's heart and soul.
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- Nov 24 2017 - 01:15
- Barron
  
  Posts: 625
  I’m slightly uncomfortable with the idea that I might be going to a race meeting expecting someone might die and that this would be part of the attraction. Exciting for drivers risking death is one thing, but dying as a spectator sport? I’ll pass on that.
  + 2
  
  Nov 24 2017 - 11:10
f1dave

Posts: 782
The last good looking F1 cars were in the late sixties.
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- Nov 24 2017 - 01:19