“The halo saved my life”

“The halo saved me,” said the Chinese and reported himself fit for the next race in Spielberg on Sunday. The pictures of the departure in his Alfa Romeo headfirst into the safety fence had caused horror and concern for the 23-year-old's health at the British Grand Prix.

The Chinese Zhou Guanyu will start again next weekend. © APA/afp / BEN STANSALL

"It was a serious accident and I'm glad I'm okay," Zhou said. Once again, the roll bar called “Halo”, which has been mandatory in Formula 2018 since 1, paid off. Protected by the seven kilogram titanium ring over his head, Zhou survived the frightening slide over asphalt and gravel and the impact with the fence without any major injuries. “Without Halo he wouldn’t be there anymore. Of course he was very lucky,” said world champion Max Verstappen. “Today showed again that the Halo really belongs in Formula 1.” Max Verstappen Before the introduction of the “Halo”, there were heated debates among drivers, some of whom feared that the field of vision would be too limited. “Today showed again that the Halo really belongs in Formula 1,” said Verstappen. Alfa team principal Frederic Vasseur stated: “The work to improve safety in our sport is never done. This day reminds us how important that is.” A sensible measure The cockpit protection was developed in response to several serious incidents. The Brazilian Felipe Massa was seriously injured in the head by a metal spring in Hungary in 2009. In the same year, 2-year-old Henry Surtees was fatally hit by a flying tire at Brands Hatch in Formula 18.

According to the world association FIA, the “Halo” has to withstand the weight of two African elephants (around twelve tons for two male animals) and a full suitcase, which is fired at 225 km/h. “Safety is our top priority,” emphasized FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem at Silverstone. Williams driver Alexander Albon also survived a serious accident at the start without any major injuries and was released from hospital on Sunday evening. “I am very happy to be driving in Formula 1 at this time.” Carlos Sainz The “Halo” had also prevented worse things from happening in the Formula 2 junior class on Sunday. In a collision, Norwegian Dennis Hauger's car landed at cockpit height on Roy Nissany's car. The Israeli remained uninjured thanks to the titanium bar. “The halo probably saved two lives today,” said Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz after his first victory in the premier class at Silverstone and, with a view to the increasingly comprehensive safety measures, emphasized: “I am very happy to be in Formula 1 at this time drive."

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“The halo saved my life”

After his horror accident at Silverstone, Formula 1 driver Guanyu Zhou sees the once controversial cockpit protection as a lifesaver.

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