FIA Okays Mirrors on the F1 HALO

The FIA has decreed that the Formula 1 teams are allowed to mount their rear view mirrors on the F1 halo. But the catch is that it must be compliant with all relevant regulations.

Drivers have complained that the HALO has impaired rear vision and the current rear wing regulations are not helping either. In fact, Ferrari is one of the teams that has tailored its design for aerodynamic gains.

After an investigation, FIA single-seater technical boss Nikolas Tombazis has clarified the governing body’s position on the matter. Now, they have given the go ahead for teams to mount mirrors on the halo.

The only deterrent is that the mounted mirrors will have to meet all current regulations. This includes the theoretical “box” within which they have to be located, their minimum 150mm x 50mm dimensions, and the ability to meet a rear vision test. The latter is conducted by the FIA. In this test, a driver has to read letter or number boards placed behind the car.

The mirrors must also be compliant with the rule on laminate parts that are within 20mm of the F1 halo structure. This rule was written to cover aerodynamic fairings.

The FIA has informed teams that the onus is on them to ensure that the mountings are secure. “We expect that you will be able to satisfy us that the installation is sufficiently rigid to ensure that the mirror does not vibrate too much, which would limit driver visibility.”

Tombazis wrote: “We will not accept a dual mirror mounting (Halo + traditional survival cell), as this could cause delays in the event a rescue team had to remove the Halo following an accident.”

Additionally, teams will not be able to fit working cameras in halo-mounted mirrors. But this could become an issue if the FOM requests that a particular car run such cameras.

“We will not accept a cable or connectors to run through the Halo fairing, hence in the rare case when a team is asked to mount cameras in the mirrors (position 1 of Drawing 6 of the Technical Regulations), that team would have to resort in using a mirror installation on the chassis or side pod.”