Kevin Magnussen: "Halo still annoying and ugly"

  • Published on 14 Mar 2018 10:02
  • 14
  • By: Rob Veenstra

Kevin Magnussen is continuing to rail against the mandatory 'Halo' device featured on all F1 cars in 2018. While some drivers support the safety innovation, others like Magnussen are outspoken critics. "It's very annoying and ugly," he told Ekstra Bladet newspaper. "And it's hard to get in and out of the car. Hard to get the steering wheel on and off. It's just awkward and annoying," said the Haas driver.

Another critic, Pierre Gasly, said Halo is a "mess" as he revealed how it tore his overalls. But Magnussen said that while Halo ruins the look of the cars, it is not too distracting when actually driving. "It's fine because in the corners you look to the left and the right anyway. It distracts the eye, but it's not a concern," he admitted.

But he said that doesn't mean Halo is completely safe. "If you're chasing someone in Eau Rouge, you won't be able to see if he's made a mistake at the top and spun. It's probably the same for turn 1 in Austin as well," he said. "But mainly a formula one car to me is open. So this is wrong for formula one," Magnussen insisted.

Carlos Sainz, meanwhile, pointed out another issue. "When it rains, the Halo stops the drops on the visor, so you can't really tell if it's raining or not," he said.

And Robert Kubica said: "It's a challenge to get out of the car. After the first race in Australia, I think I will go down the pitlane to have a laugh when they get out," he smiled. (GMM)

Replies (14)

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  • Savio

    Posts: 145

    Respect for these words, halo is the effect od financial lobby in F1

    • + 0
    • Mar 14 2018 - 10:32
  • Freguz

    Posts: 160

    I know it is for the safety and saves lives (although will probably never be proved), I have a hard time accepting what I see. Looking around for therapists who can help me with this matter, but hard to find it seems.

    • + 1
    • Mar 14 2018 - 10:32
    • kngrthr

      Posts: 203

      don't worry my friend. time will heal your wound

      • + 0
      • Mar 14 2018 - 12:20
    • Time, support, and a lot... A Lot... Of cake.

      • + 0
      • Mar 14 2018 - 12:57
  • Kevin can be an ass, but this rings true. By the way, halo is a product of fear, but not from accidents but fear of lawsuits

    • + 1
    • Mar 14 2018 - 13:42
  • I'm no fan of Kevins but he's right here. The halo is ghastly and I honestly believe it is a safety risk itself either by obstructing the drivers exit or if it becomes damaged and impales the driver. Todt is a buffoon and determined to run F1 into the ground with these stupid decisions.

    • + 0
    • Mar 14 2018 - 15:15
  • It's bit too late to get rid of the stupid thing. But it would take unprecedented coordination and effort from all the drivers and teams. We still have a few holdouts that think it's a good idea like Fernando and Sebastian. Fortunately the younger guys mostly seem to be against it. Maybe we'll have to wait for the old guard to leave

    • + 0
    • Mar 14 2018 - 16:20
    • Or for the young 'uns to accept it. :p

      • + 0
      • Mar 14 2018 - 16:35
  • Orchide

    Posts: 82

    Well, it was the driver organisation GPDA that was lobbying for better protection for the drivers.
    Maybe K-Mag was asleep on that meeting as well not knowing people are talking about him or things that will affect f1.

    • + 0
    • Mar 14 2018 - 17:06
    • Jutlandia

      Posts: 191

      Or maybe K-MAG was not in favor of the halo from the beginning at all. Beeing a member of GPDA dos not mean that you agree on all matters.

      • + 0
      • Mar 15 2018 - 08:27
  • It aint pretty, but it doesnt really bother me. Im hot enough for the both of us. ;) If it works the way its intended, it needs to stay.

    • + 0
    • Mar 14 2018 - 17:16
    • Hepp

      Posts: 200

      www.youtube.com/watch?v=UG3ExHB133k
      Just a lol

      • + 0
      • Mar 14 2018 - 23:46
    • Pauli

      Posts: 140

      It needs to be developed to improve it. Alternative would be developing aeroscreen type device like Indycar is looking into. Too bad developing working aeroscreen was much harder than Halo. But maybe F1 can switch to screen variant if Indycar manages create something that works and has required impact stress strength.

      But the first test iteration for Indy car looked very bad for F1 top air intake. Indy variant will cause air flow continue upwards instead if horizontaily towards intake behind driver's head. But of course they should be able to find a working solution that works well with screen but it may require major changes on intake design (like moving top intake to a different part of car).

      • + 0
      • Mar 15 2018 - 00:23
    • @HEPP Hahaha

      • + 0
      • Mar 15 2018 - 19:10

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