‘That is a life saved unequivocally’
The Halo device has been credited with saving the life of a racing driver after two cars were involved in a shocking accident at Silverstone on Sunday.
In the Formula 2 race taking place at the track on Sunday morning, drivers Roy Nissany and Dennis Hauger collided on the opening lap.
Hauger lost control of his car, going off the track, before he went over a “sausage kerb” which launched his vehicle into the air.
It then landed on top of Hauger’s car, with both then going off track and coming to a halt.
Thankfully, both drivers escaped without any serious injuries, but television replays showed just how horrific the outcome could have been had it not been the Halo around Hauger’s cockpit.
One of the commentators said that because of the Halo “that is a life saved unequivocally.” he went on to describe the incident as one of the “most frightening accidents I have seen in a long, long time,” adding “that is why the Halo’s there.”
Both Roy Nissany and Dennis Hauger walked away from this scary incident #BritishGP #F2 pic.twitter.com/URWV64LGQe
— Formula 2 (@Formula2) July 3, 2022
Following the incident, many from across the world of motorsport took voiced their praise and gratitude for the Halo.
F1 journalist Chris Medland tweeted: “The Halo absolutely saved Nissany’s life. 100%”
The Halo absolutely saved Nissany’s life. 100% #F2 #BritishGP https://t.co/KfWjOJlqHr
— Chris Medland (@ChrisMedlandF1) July 3, 2022
British racing driver Abbie Eaton said the halo was “one of the best safety systems to be introduced” but was highly critical of the “sausage kerb” that had caused the accident.
When will people learn?
We need to use a safer way to control track limits.
The halo has been one of the best safety systems to be introduced, let’s move forward with track limit policing too.
Don’t wait until someone is killed.#F2 #SausageKerb pic.twitter.com/WSwIKgowZT
— Abbie Eaton (@AbbieEaton44) July 3, 2022
Broadcaster Will Buxton agreed, labelling the kerbs “stupid” and blaming them for the “sickening accident.”
Stupid sausage kerb creating a horrible accident in F2. The Halo saving the day once again. Sickening accident. Very glad to see @RoyNissany walk away from that one.
— Will Buxton (@wbuxtonofficial) July 3, 2022
The halo
#F2 pic.twitter.com/zbB470BW9c
— WTF1 (@wtf1official) July 3, 2022
The Halo is a protective barrier that goes around the cockpit of the the car, helping to prevent objects and debris from making contact with the head of the driver.
The device was introduced by the FIA in 2018, but drew criticism from many within the sport who claimed it spoiled the cars.
F1 legend Niki Lauda claimed it distorted the “essence of racing cars,” whilst reigning world champion Max Verstappen said it “abused the DNA” of F1.
But as time has gone on many have change their mind on the innovation. Last season, Lewis Hamilton said the device had saved him after he was involved in a crash with Verstappen at the Italian Grand Prix.
In a similar incident to the one at Silverstone on Sunday, the Dutchman’s car ended up on top of Hamilton’s, with the Red Bull’s right wheel crushing the top of Hamilton’s Mercedes.
An astonishing
angle of the Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen crash#SkyF1 | #F1 pic.twitter.com/y9NGu4mqc8
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) September 14, 2021
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