Formula 1 World championship set to confirm new head protection for 2017 season
Formula 1’s ‘halo’ structure, designed to protect driver’s heads from flying debris in the event of a crash, is going to become the norm in the world’s largest open-wheeler championship from 2017 onwards.
According to a report by BBC Sport, sources from the FIA have confirmed the news, following approval earlier this week from senior figures in the sport.
While the specific details surrounding the nature of the structure’s design and construction are yet to be confirmed or released by the Formula 1, the topic of adopting a halo has reportedly been met with support from drivers.
The push for added head protection was spurred on by the recent deaths of Formula 1’s Jules Bianchi and IndyCar’s Justin Wilson, who both passed away following head trauma during on-track accidents. Wilson’s incident in particular has been cited as one that could have been prevented by such a device.
The news comes as Formula 1 aims to take on several other changes, in a bid to improve both spectacle and safety.
Talking to the Daily Mail, Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone recently stated his dissatisfaction with the current state of the sport — “I wouldn't spend my money to take my family to watch a race. No way.”
Over the following days, it’s been revealed that the championship have been investigating implementing reverse-grid races, although some like Haas F1 pilot Romain Grosjean have spoken out against the idea.
A new knock-out qualifying proposal has been gaining more support from teams, which would see the adoption of an 'elimination-style' format where the slowest cars are gradually knocked out of action as time elapses through the Q1, Q2, and Q3.
The opening round of the 2016 Formula 1 championship will take place at Melbourne’s Albert Park on March 20.