Wurz: I am surprised by the halo decision

Formula 1’s surprise vote to delay the introduction of the Halo cockpit safety device has taken the sport into “uncharted territory”, Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) chairman Alex Wurz has said.

Wurz, the former grand prix racer and head of the drivers’ union, is a keen advocate for the cockpit head protection system, and believes the decision “could almost be seen as business first and safety second”.

But following a lengthy meeting in Geneva of Formula One’s strategy group, which consists of the sport’s top teams, chief executive Bernie Ecclestone and FIA president Jean Todt, the required majority verdict in favour was not reached.

“My personal view is that the strategy group outcome, if ratified by the FIA World Motor Sport Council, represents much more than just a vote against the Halo, or a delay in the introduction of additional head protection,” Wurz said.

“This decision brings F1 in to uncharted territory in many ways. Let’s wait for the reasoning behind this decision, but for now this decision could almost be seen as business first and safety second.

“Just one week ago the FIA safety experts presented this solution as the most researched safety device ever, and said that it is ready to go, so maybe we have a communication problem between here and there.

“I am surprised by the decision, and I dearly hope it is not one that one day we will all come to bitterly regret.”

Indeed Thursday’s vote could now spark a row between the sport’s hierarchy and the drivers.

Wurz added: “If you start with the question ‘do you like the look of the halo’ many will say ‘no’, but some will think a step further and know that the halo is not the last solution. It is a safe start to developing something to protect the driver’s head.

“We have made this sport already very safe but who tells us that we should stop now? If you make the cars safer it doesn’t mean anyone can drive it.

“The probability of being killed or injured is still there, but you would just be the lucky one if someone in front of you loses their wing and hits your head, that you have a higher chance of surviving.”

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.
Read the full story at GRAND PRIX 247