Bottas 'never noticed' halo during sim race

Bottas 'never noticed' halo during sim race

Originally written by Joas van Wingerden. This version is a translation.

Monday 19 February 2018 13:20

Valtteri Bottas has admitted that he 'never noticed' the halo device during a recent simulation race with Mercedes, as he addressed concerns that drivers would have their vision impaired during races due to the newly implemented safety device to protect drivers.

The halo device comes in the form of a frame attached to the cockpit of the Formula One cars which is designed to protect the head of drivers from any potential falling debris after a race crash.

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While it is seen as a step forward in health and safety, many figures in the sport have criticised it for being ugly and pointed to the fact that it will decrease the vision of drivers behind the wheel.

Bottas, however, has confessed that it didn't impair him during recent simulation tests.

“In the simulator I’ve done a race simulation already with the Halo, and I have to say during the race I never noticed it anymore,” he told Motorsport.com.

“Once you get used to it it’s there and you get used to it, I think that’s going to be the same for the spectators.

"Initially, it’s something new, it looks different – some people say it’s not nice at all.

“But I think it’s only a matter of time everyone will get used to it, and if it can avoid even one injury – big or small – it’s a good device.”