It would look like one of the test problems right now is the blockage of the air intake. Red Bull came out and said that in the current configuration of the Halo (which by the way, isn't the real deal. It's a mock up used to initially test visibility) they couldn't run any more than two laps before the invention created over-heating problems for both their engine and gearbox. I imagine the triangular shape of the device itself is redirecting or disturbing airflow into the 2016 airbox configuration.
It means that instead of the current bolt on, test device we currently see, team aerodynamicists would have to get to work engineering the Halo element into the structure of the car. Think of the weight the true Halo will have in order to provide adequate head protection, essentially acting as a frontal roll bar. Contemplate how high that weight is above the centre of gravity of the car and you have a whole new set of problems. That's only one of many complications to add more sleepless nights back in the factories. More coffee?
It would appear that the drivers, rightfully, are worried about the issue of a driver egress in an emergency. This was made all the more real as this season we saw Alonso violently rip through the air. For such an immediate, common concern it would appear that the FIA look to the stewards for the solution to that situation. That is, a bunch of excited, fat dudes flipping your car right-side up to free you. Hmmmmmmmm, tell that to Niki Lauda. Methinks not going to go over well.
I don't see how there cannot be a fundamental visibility issue either. I remember Kimi being asked about how visibility was once; he managed to whisper out a diplomatic "it's okay." I know he doesn't like to waste words but his opinion was hardly reassuring as truth. Two laps tested by Pierre Gasly and his opinion was "weird" and claustrophobic with an ugly view. Huh, Pierre don't mix words. It'll be interesting when all the drivers have a look. This is a solid point to make because the action plan looks like the FIA is proceeding with the safety testing and obviously (I mean hopefully) they believe it's beneficial enough to bring it in, which in itself is hardly a ringing endorsement either. If the drivers want to shit on it, how about the fact that the Halo is primarily being tested for a tire impact. A scary 20kg impact at a scarier 225kmh. Seen in Nascar for specific reasons like tie rod destroying fencing, and an object unavoidable high speed oval, amongst other factors and the ill-fated death of Henry Surtees, a tire strike is right up there in worry. (The FIA in 2017 will also beef up the very successful Zylon wheel tether.) So if there is a criticism to be raised about the effectiveness of the Halo, how about the stat that in a small item test, the Halo will deflect small item debris, get this, 17% of the time. Seems slightly better than plain old luck but the FIA's opinion is that without the Halo, a driver will get hit 100% of the time. Who's gonna argue that?
Look, Formula One is a high speed, high risk sport. Driver's know it each time they get in the car. Shit, as a former paraglider, I can tell you that you can't focus on fear when you're running off a cliff. For a lot of fans, the ability to deal with that risk, to achieve what the average fan can't do, is part of the awe towards a driver and the sport. Managing that risk through training, split timing decisions, etc. is what makes them exceptional athletes and commands our admiration to which we feel is deserved. They know it's high risk, we know it's high risk. And an argument can be made that all we'll be left with in the sport, is (more) boredom if we remove all that risk. Equally, technology and ongoing safety are a big part of this sport too and any dispute to the Halo's use is simply made moot by stating that the Halo could save one life.
Look, Formula One is a high speed, high risk sport. Driver's know it each time they get in the car. Shit, as a former paraglider, I can tell you that you can't focus on fear when you're running off a cliff. For a lot of fans, the ability to deal with that risk, to achieve what the average fan can't do, is part of the awe towards a driver and the sport. Managing that risk through training, split timing decisions, etc. is what makes them exceptional athletes and commands our admiration to which we feel is deserved. They know it's high risk, we know it's high risk. And an argument can be made that all we'll be left with in the sport, is (more) boredom if we remove all that risk. Equally, technology and ongoing safety are a big part of this sport too and any dispute to the Halo's use is simply made moot by stating that the Halo could save one life.
So, if the Halo will protect a driver's life (and the FIA from getting sued) after head impacts from a wall, from another car, from tire barriers, "all those things." For those reasons, the Halo will be here in 2018 .... Blech.
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