Halo Given Greenlight by FIA After Strategy Meeting

Following Jules Bianchi’s fatal accident in 2015 in Suzuka, the safety standards of Formula One was raised once again. Two ideas were pitched to aid in improving safety in the sport, namely the Halo and the Shield. In 2016, the Halo was tested by Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel but not many drivers were particularly thrilled about it. During the first Free Practice session at last weekend’s British GP, Vettel was once again the guinea pig albeit for the Shield. Despite some negative feedback, a decision had to be made between the Halo and the Shield. So the FIA voted to implement the use of the Halo during the 2018 season, despite opposition from many F1 teams.

The FIA and all the teams convened in Geneva to discuss the issue of safety. It is believed that nine out of 10 teams voted against the Halo, while the decision on the Shield was that the concept required further investigation. The FIA’s verdict on the Halo was that it would be part of the 2018 regulations with a few enhancements. Although the FIA have given it the go ahead, it still has to pass through the World Motor Sport Council for ratification.

Another issue that was discussed was cost control, to that end, the Strategy Group decided to set up a working committee comprising of representatives from all F1 teams, the FIA and the Formula One Group. The aim was to ensure the sustainability of the sport. Finally, the last topic on the agenda was dedicated to finding ways to improve the spectacle.