Zhou Guanyu crash: Alpine's Otmar Szafnauer eating humble pie after British Grand Prix chaos

Alpine

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Szafnauer eating humble pie after British GP chaos

Szafnauer conceded to a previous error in judgement

Ewan Gale

Wednesday 6 July 2022 16:02

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Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer has held his hands up for believing the Halo safety device would have tarnished F1's image when initially introduced after a dramatic weekend at Silverstone.

Two drivers were involved in serious incidents that, without the Halo, would have resulted in severe injury and a likelihood of fatal consequences.

F2 driver Roy Nissany was hit by a flying Dennis Hauger at head height during the feature race ahead of F1's main event, the Israeli escaping injury due to the structural rigidity of the Halo.

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Zhou Guanyu was then involved in a horrific incident at the start of the grand prix proper with his Alfa Romeo flipping upside down and into the catch-fence having skated along the floor.

Asked for his thoughts on the first-lap incident, Szafnauer replied: "I didn't see it.

"The good news is, my one thought, is everyone is safe and what a testament it is to the safety of these cars, especially the Halo."

The Halo was introduced by the FIA in 2018 but was met with opposition due to the aesthetic appeal of F1 cars.

"I remember at the time, thinking - and I was absolutely wrong and I will raise my hand that I was wrong - 'well, they are not going to be F1 cars'," conceded Szafnauer.

"Totally wrong, it was the right thing to do."