Lewis Hamilton laments the end of the “era of beautiful cars”

Lewis Hamilton took advantage of the press conference for the last 2017 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi to give a rather negative opinion on the introduction of the Halo.

Published on 24/11/2017 à 11:08

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Lewis Hamilton laments the end of the 'era of beautiful cars'

A major subject of debate since its first appearances, the cockpit protection system Halo does not meet with the favor of certain drivers on the grid. The device will be officially introduced in 2018 as confirmed by the FIA last July, but should evolve visually.

Despite everything, the aesthetic appearance of the single-seaters will be largely modified, in addition to creating integration constraints. as Paddy Lowe recently admitted. A profound visual change which does not meet with the support of Lewis Hamilton.

« This is the last Grand Prix of the era of beautiful cars, I think, commented the quadruple world champion at a press conference yesterday. This is the last race where the cars will look good. I think that from next year, it will be less aesthetically pleasing, but safety will increase, at least... »

The Briton had also expressed doubts when driving the 2018 single-seaters, specifying that the mass of future cars would not be one of the best things to come.

The Halo best solution for the FIA

Sebastian Vettel admitted for his part that the pilots would get used to this new parameter. « I think the cars will be different next year. Everything I've seen so far is different, but on the other hand, I think we'll all get used to it.

But yes, there is no doubt that the cars are better the way they are now but I am sure that we'll get used to it and work on the aesthetics, so it'll be fine. So in the end, it's probably not a big deal. »

The German was called upon to evaluate the other solution previously studied by the FIA, the Shield. If this system was once the federation's preference, the Halo took over following the tests carried out by Vettel at Silverstone during the summer.

“In light of this and aware of the tests carried out with the Halo system, and the need to incorporate regulations before the desired deadline of the start of the 2018 season, the Halo system represents the best solution to the problem of frontal protection of the cockpit. »The FIA then specified.