The crash between Verstappen and Hamilton has reignited the debate about car safety and the driver’s protection, know what is a halo device in F1, its purpose, design and visibility
The Formula1 Italian Grand Prix 2021 that was held on September 12, 2021, saw quite a dangerous clash between two of the top drivers in the Formula 1 Max Verstappen representing Red Bull Racing and Lewis Hamilton driving a Mercedes. Max Verstappen was later handed a three-place grid penalty for the crash.
Experts say that the halo used in both the cars and especially the one used by Lewis Hamilton has been able to save both of the drivers and their cars from a serious car crash.
Formula 1 Explained: What Is A Halo In F1, Purpose, Strength, Design And Visibility
The halo was launched back in 2018. It was seen as an additional protection factor for the safety of the driver and the car. The halo is generally useful for open-wheel racing. The most important use of the halo is that it is intended to shield drivers from genuine wounds from either head injury or flying rubble.
The halo is now a compulsory consideration on all Formula 1 vehicle since 2018 after the tests were completed from 2016 to 2018.
What Does A F1 Halo Consist Of?
The framework comprises a bar that includes the driver’s head and is associated with the vehicle outline. The halo is made of titanium and is weighed around 7 kilograms (15 lb) in the variant introduced in 2016. And in 2017, the weight rose to 9 kilograms (20 lb).
The framework isn’t created by the teams, yet is fabricated by three supported outside makers picked by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) and has similar details for all vehicles. In a simulation conducted by the FIA, utilizing the information of 40 genuine events, the utilization of the framework prompted a 17% hypothetical expansion in the endurance pace of the driver.
How Did The Max Verstappen-Lewis Hamilton Crash Happen At The Italian Grand Prix 2021?
The crash happened right after Hamilton came out of the pit path on lap 26, barely in front of Verstappen, inciting the 23-year-old to forcefully battle for the position. As Hamilton left the pits, Verstappen pulled close by the Mercedes driver and, as they battled for position at the Variante del Rettifilo, they impacted.
Hamilton moved on his left side to guard his situation at the right-hander, with the Mercedes driver still in front for the following left-hander. But Verstappen ran out of room and ran over the curb which jump-started his Red Bull wild and into Hamilton’s Mercedes.
The rear of the Verstappen’s airborne vehicle ran over the highest point of Hamilton’s protective gear, with the defensive halo bearing the effect. Verstappen’s back tire came into nearness with Hamilton’s head, in spite of the presence of wellbeing highlights including the radiance.
🚨 | NEW: Incredible footage of the crash between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen in today’s F1 race
— News For All (@NewsForAllUK) September 12, 2021
Max Verstappen Handed Three Grid Penalty For The Russian Grand Prix
Belgian-Dutch Max Verstappen has been handed a three-place grid drop as a penalty for the crash. The Verstappen-Hamilton crash helped Australia’s Daniel Ricciardo win the Italian GP as his McLaren cruised past the other opponents.
The Russian GP will take place on Sunday, September 26, 2021, at the Sochi Autodrom Track.