F1's Halo - Case closed, permanently

Surrounded in controversy upon its conception, decried by Formula 1's purists when it was introduced, the Halo cockpit safety device has emphatically proven its vital purpose.

Romain Grosjean's Haas was reduced to a charred scrap of mangled carbon fibre on Sunday in Bahrain, but its Halo remained largely intact.

There's no doubt the Frenchman owes his life to the ubiquitous safety device heralded by the FIA and the late Charlie Whiting, and also perhaps to the HANS head restraint, another invaluable technological proponent of F1's ongoing quest for improved safety,

The debate over the Halo is over. Forever.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.