‘Halo’ devices save drivers in two separate horrific F1 and F2 crashes at Silverstone

There were two horrific crashes at Silverstone during Sunday’s Formula 1 and Formula 2 races on Sunday, with experts saying both cases could have resulted in fatal accidents had it not been for the life-saving ‘Halo’ device.

Formula 2 drivers Roy Nissany and Dennis Hauger collided on the first lap at Silverstone on Sunday morning when Hauger’s car flew over a “sausage” curb and was sent flying towards Nissany.

Hauger’s vehicle landed on top of his rival at high speed before both cars came to rest on the gravel.

Incredibly, both drivers escaped unscathed, and TV replays showed it was the Halo – a permanently installed cockpit safety device introduced in Formula 1 and Formula 2 in 2018 – that saved Nissany’s life.

During a later Formula One race, which was also held at Silverstone, Alfa Romeo driver Zhou Guanyu was involved in another accident on the first lap, which resulted in his car repeatedly overturning at high speed and skidding upside down on the gravel on the contraption Hello.

Zhou’s car overturned again on the tire barrier before becoming wedged between the barrier and the fence at the first turn, delaying the evacuation operation.

The race was red flagged and George Russell, one of the drivers involved in the accident, ran to check on the Chinese driver.

Russell, who described it as “one of the most terrible accidents I have ever seen”, was not allowed to return to the race as his Mercedes was taken back to the pit lane while he checked on Zhou’s condition.

Mercedes protested against this call, but the FIA ​​did not budge.

Zhou’s teammate Valtteri Bottas initially confirmed that his teammate was talking, conscious and had not suffered any fractures.

Alfa Romeo stated that he was released from the track’s medical center following an inspection.

Zhou later thanked fans for their support.

He said, “Everything is fine, everything is fine. Halo saved me today. Thank you all for your kind messages!”

After Nissana and Hauger’s crash, F1 journalist Chris Medland wrote on Twitter: “Halo absolutely saved Nissany’s life. IN 100%.”.

F1 commentator Tom Gaymor wrote: “Thank God for Halo, once again a savior without a doubt.”

The halo is a protective barrier that prevents large objects and debris from entering the cockpit of a single-seat race car.

It proved controversial, with critics saying it spoiled the “purity” of the open-cockpit single-seat racing car.

Some also say that it can be distracting if the driver needs to get out of the car quickly. In practice, this turned out to be no problem.

Lewis hamilton has admitted that the Halo saved him after he was involved in a crash at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix with fierce rival Max Verstappen.

Verstappen’s Red Bull car went out of control and flew into Hamilton’s path, with the rear right wheel crushing the top of the British Mercedes.

Hamilton then said: “I feel very, very happy today. I thank God for the Halo that saved me and saved my neck.”