Ecclestone believes F1 is too safe

  • Published on 23 Mar 2018 08:24
  • comments 2
  • By: Fergal Walsh

Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone believes that motorsport's pinnacle has become too safe after the introduction of the halo. The controversial cockpit protection device is mandatory this year as the FIA looks to boost driver safety further.

But Ecclestone doesn't agree with the introduction, saying that he spoke with the top drivers who aren't afraid of taking risks: "I spoke with them and I don't think the concept of risk is alien to them, as Sebastian has children," Ecclestone said.

"But they both said that they were always attracted to an element of risk in racing - that the driver is capable of more than an ordinary person," he added.

The halo has caused mass criticism as fans are outraged by the visual damage it does to the cars. In Melbourne, the device was seen in full view over a whole session, with the FOM providing some onboard shots of the cars equipped with the halo.

And Ecclestone thinks the sport has gone too far in terms of safety, believing there is too little risk involved: "When an acrobat walks along a tightrope, they are admired because they risk their lives. But if the rope is a metre from the ground, no one pays attention.

"Today's cars are too safe," he continued. "Safety is very good, don't get me wrong. But this Halo! Also, too many people are sure that Hamilton will win the title again. And if the public does not doubt his victory, then why would they buy a ticket?"

 

Fergal Walsh

Freguz

Posts: 160

For once I agree

  • 1
  • Mar 23 2018 - 10:58

Replies (2)

Login to reply
  • Freguz

    Posts: 160

    For once I agree

    • + 1
    • Mar 23 2018 - 10:58
  • I agree, but I call to question his motives for saying this. Everything that comes out of this old bastard's mouth is sour grapes.

    • + 0
    • Mar 24 2018 - 00:36

BE Grand Prix of Belgium

Local time 05:26

BEGrand Prix of Belgium

Local time 05:26

World Championship standings 2025

Show full world champion standings

Test calendar

See full test schedule

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
14 - Mar 16
Australia
21 - Mar 23
China
4 - Apr 6
Japan
11 - Apr 13
Bahrain
18 - Apr 20
Saudi Arabia
2 - May 4
United States of America
16 - May 18
Italy
23 - May 25
Monaco
30 - Jun 1
Spain
13 - Jun 15
Canada
27 - Jun 29
Austria
4 - Jul 6
United Kingdom
25 - Jul 27
Belgium
1 - Aug 3
Hungary
29 - Aug 31
Netherlands
5 - Sep 7
Italy
19 - Sep 21
Azerbaijan
3 - Oct 5
Singapore
17 - Oct 19
United States of America
24 - Oct 26
Mexico
7 - Nov 9
Brazil
21 - Nov 23
United States of America
28 - Nov 30
Qatar
5 - Dec 7
United Arab Emirates
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
14 - Mar 16
Australia Albert Park
21 - Mar 23
4 - Apr 6
11 - Apr 13
18 - Apr 20
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
2 - May 4
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
16 - May 18
23 - May 25
Monaco Monte Carlo
30 - Jun 1
13 - Jun 15
27 - Jun 29
Austria Red Bull Ring
4 - Jul 6
United Kingdom Silverstone
25 - Jul 27
1 - Aug 3
Hungary Hungaroring
29 - Aug 31
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
5 - Sep 7
Italy Monza
19 - Sep 21
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
3 - Oct 5
17 - Oct 19
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
24 - Oct 26
7 - Nov 9
Brazil Interlagos
21 - Nov 23
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
28 - Nov 30
5 - Dec 7
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team Ferrari
  • Points 3,456
  • Podiums 132
  • Grand Prix 218
  • Country United Kingdom
  • Date of b. Jan 7 1985 (40)
  • Place of b. Tewin, United Kingdom
  • Weight 68 kg
  • Length 1.74 m
Show full profile
show sidebar