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Wolff slams Halo: "It's a dreadful piece!"

Published on 22 Dec 2017 13:31
13
By: Fergal Walsh

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has spoken out against the Halo head protection device which will be introduced in 2018. The controversial design has caused outrage from fans, who state that it makes the cars look very unappealing.

The device has been brought in as the FIA look to improve head protection for the drivers. While other devices such as the 'Shield' and 'Aeroscreen' were trialled, the Halo prevailed as was confirmed as a mandatory feature on the 2018 cars last July.

"It's a dreadful piece," Wolff said to ESPN. "We've had it in the staff briefing and we've shown it. It's a huge piece of metal, much too heavy, it feels completely alien and I'd like to saw it off if I could! But then we need to look after driver safety and if there is a device that helps to protect lives, then we need to put it on the car.

"Maybe in the future we can find a solution that is a little bit more aesthetically pleasing than the halo. In terms of aerodynamic development it didn't interfere too much and everyone has the same problem."

While the minimum weight limit for the 2018 cars has been raised by five kilogrammes, Wolff claims that the Halo actually weighs ten kilogrammes: "With all the bolts and nuts it's probably 10 kilos that you have up at the highest point in the car," Wolff added. "So the centre of gravity moves up a large chunk and you need to compensate for that. So it's all wrong!"

Fergal Walsh

Bhurt

Posts: 320

Didn't people say this about the shark fin as well? Five races into the season nobody mentioned it any more. The halo will be the same. People will be outraged until they've seen it for a few races and then they'll just watch the races and forget about nonsense.

2
Dec 23 2017 - 00:07

F1 News Susie Wolff Mercedes

Replies (13)

boudy

Posts: 1,168
I am predicting more problems with the Halo than without it. What would happen if there is a crash that is caused by the Halo? to be continued.....?
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- Dec 22 2017 - 16:11
ajpennypacker

Posts: 2,475
I am still so angry about the halo. The hypocrisy of a few drivers who first despised it and then acted like they always supported it. I hate articles like this of people complaining when it's too late. I hate that there is probably no way back from this.
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- Dec 22 2017 - 17:08
calle.itw

Posts: 8,527
I agree with Toto, its ugly, but if its safer it has to be present. And its ugly alright. And good point from him about the weight balance, didnt really think of that.
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- Dec 22 2017 - 17:29
Rindtchamp

Posts: 304
First bit of common sense the guy has said in years.
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- Dec 22 2017 - 17:59
- boudy
  
  Posts: 1,168
  Granted there is more protection however I am unsure on what it protects against. I won't protect against issues like Massa had (small object ) and could actually make it worse since the object can bounce of the inside towards the driver.
  
  From visibility perspective when there is an track altitude difference there is a potential for area that is not visible which is being approached at high velocity.
  
  What FIA should have done is a mandatory race in 2018 where all cars need an Halo in order to determine the impact of the device. Now F1 is in a situation that the Halo is required and if issues arise they will be limited by their own regulations.
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  Dec 22 2017 - 18:44
blade

Posts: 341
Damned ugly and actually, this is a step too far. I get the safety thing but seriously, motor racing is supposed to be dangerous. Check out MotoGOP, just as fast, same tracker in some cases, what - make them wear inflatable crash bubble devices, or cocoon them in steel - come on, seriously? This is the bloody lawyers influencing, no-one wants it surely - go play chess if you want to be that safe....
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- Dec 22 2017 - 18:37
Bhurt

Posts: 320
Didn't people say this about the shark fin as well? Five races into the season nobody mentioned it any more. The halo will be the same. People will be outraged until they've seen it for a few races and then they'll just watch the races and forget about nonsense.
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- Dec 23 2017 - 00:07
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  I get the same vibe for this, except we've had a sharkfin before, so people were used to it, and some even liked them. I havent heard anyone say the halo looks cool, and Im no exception, but I can probably get used to them if they are as safe as they claim it is, and dont hurt the race.
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  Dec 23 2017 - 10:39
- Rindtchamp
  
  Posts: 304
  Personally I believe the Halo is more of a hazard to safety than a help.
  I could easily see it being damaged in a crash and hurting or impaling the driver, but I hope it never happens.
  + 0
  
  Dec 23 2017 - 15:10
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  That has most likely been checked for, otherwise they'd never be able to implement it. The only legit question in terms of safety is whether it might reflect smaller objects onto the driver, and personally Im not sure thats likely, unless the objects already is inside of the Halo.
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  Dec 23 2017 - 18:07
- Ram Samartha
  
  Posts: 1,172
  The halo looks cool. For a flip-flop. I agree with Toto that there will probably be an evolution of the idea. Frankly, I wish people would quit bitchin about it. If it saves one driver's life it's worth having it on the cars, and from the interviews I've seen only about 2 or 3 drivers disagree. But it's off season so people got to bitch about something.
  + 0
  
  Dec 23 2017 - 23:48
- Bhurt
  
  Posts: 320
  @RAM - even if it theoretically COULD save a drivers life it's worth having it there.
  
  This reaction against improvements in safety are common place. People were outraged when the NHL made helmets mandatory. People were against seat belts. The catholic church are still against condoms.
  
  People should stop losing their heads when the FIA try to prevent F1 drivers from literally losing theirs.
  + 1
  
  Dec 24 2017 - 16:50
renaultFanF1

Posts: 80
Wasn't the Mercedes the ones who brought the idea and first prototype on the table? They were the one who let the cat out, and now it's too late.

Here is the link: www.mirror.co.uk/s(...)st-mercedes-6356411
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- Dec 23 2017 - 18:55