'Halo' could lead to autonomous F1 - Horner

40

As the halo is imposed on F1, Red Bull's Christian Horner suggests a quest for absolute safety by the FIA could ultimately lead to an autonomous F1.

The FIA has made mandatory for 2018 the presence of the 'halo' cockpit safety device, a controversial decision which has spurred a lively debate in F1 and among the sport's fans.

Horner, who contends that legal issues forced the sport's governing body to introduce the 'halo', admits he isn't an advocate of the device, although Red Bull offered its own version of a cockpit protection element when it trialed its 'aeroscreen' last year.

The FIA will eventually seek to impose the 'halo' in all categories of single-seater racing, and the Red Bull boss therefore wonders where it will all stop and what could be the consequences of an extreme sanitization of the sport?

Stewart sees 'halo' as necessary pre-emptive measure

"If you look at MotoGP, they don't have a roll-bar or stabilisers and there comes a point... the worrying thing is if you keep going down this avenue, its safer to take the driver out," logically remarks Horner.

"And then why do you need the driver? The car can be autonomous.

"But that's not what the concept of the sport is, there has to be an element of driver and the driver is accepting risk whenever they get out of the car.

"Now, what level is acceptable is something the FIA have the responsibility as the governing body to decide."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.