Unless you’ve been on Mars or without an internet connection this past week, you’ve undoubtably heard that Formula 1 will implement the Halo device on all cars starting in 2018. This comes on the heels of the British Grand Prix, where another safety device was tested, the Ferrari-designed “Shield” concept. The Shield concept, essentially a windscreen, was run by Sebastian Vettel for one installation lap during FP1 then removed for rest of the session.
Why, I hear you ask, is the IndyCar reporter mentioning the Halo and Shield concepts; it’s not as if the IndyCar Series is going to adopt a similar system? That is exactly what IndyCar might do, if reports of an F1-style Shield system for IndyCar is to be believed. A Shield concept will be trialed along with the 2018 IndyCar universal aero kits confirmed, IndyCar President of Competition and Operations Jaye Frye. Frye also gave some clues about what an IndyCar Shield design might look like.
“If we do go the route of using a screen like Formula 1’s Shield, we’re probably looking to have it slightly more vertical – less raked back.”
I just have one request/suggestion/plea for IndyCar: please be sensible with safety. By that I mean, take all opinions seriously; drivers, fans, team owners, engineers, and sponsors. Everyone.
Please do not discard or discount drivers opinions because they aren’t too critical, or are too critical. Their opinions on safety are that way for a reason. In my opinion, James Hinchcliffe’s initial opinion would be more pro-protection than say, Josef Newgarden’s. That’s because of personal experience.
Consider fan’s opinions. IndyCar is more open to fans than F1, the fan experience is important in IndyCar. Fans critique of a technical add-on may not just be because of aesthetics or because they do not want drivers to be safe, everyone involved in motorsport wants that. But fans of IndyCar watch because they know drivers risk their lives going 200+ mph, three-wide, jostling for position, and without a windscreen. The fans know that’s how it should be. If IndyCar introduces an unpopular option among everyone; not just the fans themselves, fans may turn away.
Listen to engineers, especially with the introduction of the aero kits pending. If the engineers agree that a head safety system causes more harm than good, then listen. IndyCar did an amazing job with the new aero kits, they harken back to the days of “classic IndyCar”; to ruin that with the introduction of a safety device especially with engineer input that says otherwise would be counterproductive.
Take owners and sponsors opinions into consideration. If a majority of owners go one way or the other, please don’t dismiss that. If sponsors believe a new device “softens the show”, understand why and for what reason they say that.
I just ask IndyCar to listen to all sides before making a final decision. Please test your concept, gather opinions from all involved, debate, and ensure that everyone agrees before making anything final.
The accidents and deaths of Jules Bianchi and Justin Wilson caused the motorsport community to rethink head safety, and while it is noble for IndyCar to work towards a solution, a solution without consent is no solution.
