Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsOpinion

F1's element of danger makes it attractive - Hulkenberg

Nico Hulkenberg is a dissenting voice among Formula 1 drivers when it comes to the FIA's planned cockpit safety measures, which he admits he is against.

His view was only reinforced yesterday morning when Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen took to the track in the Scuderia's SF16-H equipped with the innovative 'halo' concept.

Opinions up and down the pitlane were mixed but the Force India driver made it clear that he is resolutely against the new device.

"Don’t do it," he said. "I think it sends the wrong message.

"Formula1 is very focused on safety at the moment and for me it looks horrible. I don’t like it but it is a personal thing and I wouldn’t like to see it."

Hulkenberg argued that the introduction of radical safety measures run the risk of depriving the sport of a hazard which is also part of its appeal.

"You can’t sterilise the sport, there needs to be an element of danger. I think that is sexy and attractive. It is what Formula 1 needs.

"Back in the day it was a lot more but in the last 20 years we’ve done a hell of a lot for safety and if you see the accidents we’ve been having and you just walk away with not even a scratch which is impressive.

"Obviously there is a balance but I feel pretty safe so for me I wouldn’t want it."

Given his experience of driving a closed-cockpit racing car with Porsche, the German was asked if he felt any fundamental difference of sensation with an F1 car.

"To be honest, it is not a big change or big deal," he concluded.

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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.