Mercedes cockpit protection F1 ‘Halo’ concept
In August 2015, Justin Wilson’s fatal accident in IndyCar highlighted the ever-present need to improve cockpit protection in single-seater competition, and it’s an area that Formula One racing’s governing body, the FIA, continues to research.
Previous tests on fighter plane-style cockpit canopies were problematic in that: a) debris impacting the canopy can rebound high into the air, presenting a safety risk to other cars and spectators, and b) accessing an injured driver in the event of an accident could prove highly difficult.
Next month the FIA will test some alternative solutions designed to improve protection from flying debris whilst also providing easy cockpit access. Among them is this concept, the result of a Mercedes study.
As the Mercedes concept shows, the halo-shaped hoop could stop certain types of debris from reaching the driver, whilst the hinged locking mechanism means it can quickly be removed for easy access. The proximity of the single, central strut to the driver is such that it should have minimal effect on visibility.
External Links about Halo effect
- Video – Mercedes cockpit protection concept / Formula 1 official Web site
- Ferrari trial ‘halo’ cockpit protection in Spain / Formula 1 official Web site
- Halo concept draws contrasting paddock opinions / Formula 1 official Web site
- Exclusive video: Ride onboard as Vettel trials Halo concept / Formula 1 official Web site
- Red Bull debut aeroscreen concept in Sochi – updated / Formula 1 official Web site
- Strategy Group agrees to cockpit protection from 2018, frees up radio rules / Formula 1 official Web site
- The F1 halo effect / McLaren Formula 1 official Web site
Gallery about Halo effect

















































Feeds about Halo effect
*in the order of time scalesVIDEO: Mercedes cockpit protection concept. FIA will test new cockpit solutions next month >> http://t.co/fIodzIL9pE pic.twitter.com/zezp6jyMxl
— Formula 1 (@F1) August 29, 2015
FIRST LOOK: @ScuderiaFerrari have applied the new cockpit protection halo to Kimi Raikkonen's car this morning pic.twitter.com/B0vNWeFZcq
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 3, 2016
#MyTopIssueThisElection pic.twitter.com/nvRazJMzzn
— COTA (@circuitamericas) May 4, 2016
#BritishGP #FP1 in 5 minutes #redseason pic.twitter.com/nHctFN5c9n
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) July 8, 2016
Gooood morning #F1 fans ? A busy day of testing is underway @SilverstoneUK today! #C4F1 pic.twitter.com/HARYbPnxyK
— Channel 4 F1® (@C4F1) July 12, 2016
Back to work ? @PierreGASLY testing the Halo concept for @redbullracing this morning @SilverstoneUK #C4F1 pic.twitter.com/p7Z706jopD
— Channel 4 F1® (@C4F1) July 12, 2016
?: The best shots from @SilverstoneUK >> https://t.co/21x2gc3trS #F1Testing #F1 pic.twitter.com/Ct2KAHJ0Rr
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 12, 2016
So, this is how the Halo looks on our VJM09. Ready for FP1! #BelgianGP pic.twitter.com/4tF99ISASW
— Sahara Force India (@ForceIndiaF1) August 25, 2016
Hello Spa! ?? Testing the halo tomorrow for the first time. #belgianGP pic.twitter.com/af6Ji7awU0
— Nico Rosberg (@nico_rosberg) August 25, 2016
Good morning! We're ready for #FP1 here in Belgium..A session where @carlosainz will be testing the halo #BelgiumGP pic.twitter.com/diB4XEaQmv
— Toro Rosso (@ToroRossoSpy) August 26, 2016
Just add wheels and a driver… #BelgianGP #FeelTheForce pic.twitter.com/Pspmrk48G5
— Sahara Force India (@ForceIndiaF1) August 26, 2016
Er, @SChecoPerez… That is NOT your car! ? #BelgianGP #FeelTheForce pic.twitter.com/xa3P9CUIFL
— Sahara Force India (@ForceIndiaF1) August 26, 2016
For all those who wonder – you can easily get in the car with a Halo… #BelgianGP #FeelTheForce pic.twitter.com/DtDWZPa7ri
— Sahara Force India (@ForceIndiaF1) August 26, 2016
Daniel with accompanying Halo, completes an install lap as FP1 gets underway at the #BelgianGP ?? #F1 pic.twitter.com/fUXuM3TGOX
— Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) August 26, 2016
And off we go for our first ever Halo-equipped lap! #BelgianGP #FeelTheForce pic.twitter.com/vtVDDcJyWH
— Sahara Force India (@ForceIndiaF1) August 26, 2016
Nico Rosberg testing the 'Halo' in #FP1 this morning
— Channel 4 F1® (@C4F1) August 26, 2016
WATCH LIVE: >> https://t.co/BPm1hxKXPF #BelgianGP ?? #C4F1 pic.twitter.com/ljjjQRJVnu
Someone's got a keen interest in @nico_rosberg's appendage… #Ahem #F1 #BelgianGP #Spa #FP1 pic.twitter.com/qbC9PIjfOq
— MERCEDES AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) August 26, 2016
More halo testing today – @danielricciardo one of several drivers trialling the safety device #BelgiumGP ?? #F1 #FP1 pic.twitter.com/Lrmn5EdKoh
— Formula 1 (@F1) August 26, 2016
Fastest man so far in #FP1?
— Channel 4 F1® (@C4F1) August 26, 2016
Nico Rosberg = P1 with the Halo ?
But out comes Hamilton…
#BelgianGP ?? #C4F1 pic.twitter.com/bQQC8oq1Pr
"It's interesting that Rosberg has continued with the halo" – Karun
— Channel 4 F1® (@C4F1) August 26, 2016
ROS also running prototype Pirellis in #FP1 pic.twitter.com/DUs64cxnU0
SAI, ROS, RIC and HUL all testing the Halo ? this morning in #FP1
— Channel 4 F1® (@C4F1) August 26, 2016
WATCH #C4F1 LIVE :>> https://t.co/BPm1hxKXPF pic.twitter.com/C7gnCNgP37
#BelgianGP #FP1: 1ROS – 2HAM – 3RAI – 4PER – 5VET – 6RIC – 7VES – 8HUL – 9BOT – 10GUT … P14 Carlos … P17 Daniil pic.twitter.com/kbnKJ9F2Vq
— Toro Rosso (@ToroRossoSpy) August 26, 2016
"The team have done a great job on the halo. It doesn’t disturb me when driving" @nico_rosberg #F1 pic.twitter.com/paQOA9EkdL
— MERCEDES AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) August 26, 2016
Back to work ?
— Nico Rosberg (@nico_rosberg) August 26, 2016
Spa ??
Halo ✅
Tyre deg ?#BelgianGP pic.twitter.com/bw7EMWaf06
"I'll just do my thing"
— Channel 4 F1® (@C4F1) September 1, 2016
Max has no plans to change his driving style after getting his elbows out in Spa ? #C4F1 pic.twitter.com/4fiI0GXJUS
F1 fans stand by!
— Channel 4 F1® (@C4F1) September 2, 2016
The drivers are in the cars soon and the #C4F1 team are LIVE on @Channel4 at 08:55 #ItalianGP ?? pic.twitter.com/6EfT05J4qe
Testing the #halo. We will be running it on JB's car during #FP1. #ItalianGP pic.twitter.com/aPwpzywKH6
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) September 2, 2016
JB meets the #halo and gets set for the first Free Practice session in #Monza. #ItalianGP pic.twitter.com/OMcjyQethn
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) September 2, 2016
All ready in the garage with just a few minutes to go until the green lights… #ItalianGP #FeelTheForce pic.twitter.com/hBd2V6E08S
— Sahara Force India (@ForceIndiaF1) September 2, 2016
Car #11 is now complete with @SChecoPerez sitting snug in the cockpit. Halo test for him! #ItalianGP #FeelTheForce pic.twitter.com/u8DKO3JH4a
— Sahara Force India (@ForceIndiaF1) September 2, 2016
Both Fonso and Checo depart for their installation laps – FP1 is on! #ItalianGP #FeelTheForce pic.twitter.com/8FvfUfAbIP
— Sahara Force India (@ForceIndiaF1) September 2, 2016
Halo testing, prototype tyres… Keep up with the latest from #FP1 >> https://t.co/RzO6ZThWWB #ItalianGP ?? pic.twitter.com/LlZ3X3FXpq
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 2, 2016
Engine on, right foot down. Follow the live #FP1 feeds with #McLarenLIVE: https://t.co/d5ZES0G5NC pic.twitter.com/H6mFYdYSjA
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) September 2, 2016
Straight to work in #FP1 ? @JensonButton and @SChecoPerez running the Halo this morning ? #ItalianGP ?? #C4F1 pic.twitter.com/NFoTAzJ8hb
— Channel 4 F1® (@C4F1) September 2, 2016
The boys complete their install laps. The boys hop out as Jenson's crew remove the halo device from his car. #FP1 pic.twitter.com/dvSFI75Xrg
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) September 2, 2016
.@JensonButton has a passenger on board today, trialling the Halo device in FP1 #Halo #F1 #ItalianGP pic.twitter.com/uY7JsQM7K9
— Honda Racing F1 (@HondaRacingF1) September 2, 2016
Max, back with his now familiar orange lid, tests out the Halo during FP1 at Monza ? #ItalianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/VsdaRsZHM3
— Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) September 2, 2016
"Deployment is very good, it's as good as anyone's" ? @JensonButton on @HondaRacingF1's upgraded PU #ItalianGP #C4F1 pic.twitter.com/1upXzNsVVm
— Channel 4 F1® (@C4F1) September 2, 2016
The halo returns. Fernando will be running the halo during #FP1 to test it in floodlit conditions. #F1NightRace pic.twitter.com/Fi6kt6YWc0
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) September 16, 2016
Driver's-eye view. This is what the driver sees when the #F1 halo is fitted ? pic.twitter.com/StYHPDGzuc
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) September 16, 2016
Final preparation ahead of #FP1
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 16, 2016
Hamilton and Alonso the latest drivers to test the 'Halo' ??⚙#F1NightRace pic.twitter.com/tCwXIWQXi5
All sorts of appendages adorning Lewis' beast this morning… ?#F1 #SingaporeGP #F1NightRace pic.twitter.com/Y8IZJ9McD3
— MERCEDES AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) September 16, 2016
The Singapore sundowner to begins. Follow #McLarenLIVE for team radio and live stats: https://t.co/0sWMkFWOD9 pic.twitter.com/FRmG6SDxU3
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) September 16, 2016
Hulk + VJM09 + Halo = ready for FP1 action! #SingaporeGP #FeelTheForce pic.twitter.com/9s74XTs0d9
— Sahara Force India (@ForceIndiaF1) September 16, 2016
Fernando's car returns to the garage; JB's being pushed back to the garage after his car rolled to a halt. #FP1 pic.twitter.com/IMdJsCva5k
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) September 16, 2016
? Riding onboard with @LewisHamilton
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 16, 2016
Trialling the halo for the first time in #FP1 #F1NightRace #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/KPSAmkPjZf
Nico heads out too. Similar choice of tyres for him. #SingaporeGP #FeelTheForce pic.twitter.com/CHKF9OJzFT
— Sahara Force India (@ForceIndiaF1) September 16, 2016
.@LewisHamilton is testing the new Halo device during #FP1 ?
— Channel 4 F1® (@C4F1) September 16, 2016
The Briton is currently fastest ?#SingaporeGP ?? pic.twitter.com/aNVLI5xhvC
😇😇😇 #SingaporeGP #TeamLH #Halo #FP1 @mercedesamgf1 📸 x @suttonimages pic.twitter.com/1SOt9LCtJX
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) September 16, 2016
Past Halo critic @LewisHamilton says there was "no real issue" testing it in Singapore https://t.co/AFiVAMsmjO pic.twitter.com/yZOo4MyjNQ
— F1 on NBC Sports (@F1onNBCSports) September 16, 2016
.@Beyonce wrote a song about this once I think ? ? #SingaporeGP #TeamLH #Halo @MercedesAMGF1 ? x @suttonimages pic.twitter.com/NZcPuCyUxo
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) September 16, 2016
"Two relatively good sessions today" @LewisHamilton #F1 #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/sOtN7gdH8G
— MERCEDES AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) September 16, 2016
"Running the halo was no real issue. I barely noticed it, to be honest" @LewisHamilton #F1 #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/rPFHmqc6NC
— MERCEDES AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) September 16, 2016
"I'd say we're looking relatively strong" @LewisHamilton #F1 #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/2OqtUtMYHe
— MERCEDES AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) September 16, 2016
… while there's plenty of Halo for Checo! #MalaysiaGP #FeelTheForce pic.twitter.com/RUhupzEtSt
— Sahara Force India (@ForceIndiaF1) September 30, 2016
Drivers report no issues with the cars and very smooth track surface out there! #MalaysiaGP #FeelTheForce pic.twitter.com/WQTYLq3vYN
— Sahara Force India (@ForceIndiaF1) September 30, 2016
Time for some halo action with @SChecoPerez #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/2C51XeDRGp
— Sahara Force India (@ForceIndiaF1) October 7, 2016
Halo, is it me you're looking for? ?
— Channel 4 F1® (@C4F1) October 7, 2016
Sergio Perez is testing the halo today in #FP1
The Mexican currently sits P8 with a time of 1:34.767 pic.twitter.com/Hh5IFE6wXf
I will be testing the #Halo tomorrow in #FP1 ! #safetyfirst @fia @F1 #USGP @ManorRacing pic.twitter.com/6F94btvxp3
— Esteban Ocon (@OconEsteban) October 20, 2016
#FP1 kicks off in 10mins time & watch out for @ValtteriBottas testing our prototype halo device during his install lap #USGP pic.twitter.com/jKX1aDZWVj
— WILLIAMS RACING (@WilliamsRacing) October 21, 2016
The Hulk will have a Halo-equipped VJM09 for his installation lap. Nearly time to go! #USGP #FeelTheForce pic.twitter.com/4ocYEYBShd
— Sahara Force India (@ForceIndiaF1) October 21, 2016
And off he goes, in a very deliberate artistically blurry flash… #USGP #FeelTheForce pic.twitter.com/0pqDD7wATN
— Sahara Force India (@ForceIndiaF1) October 21, 2016
Here's another look at the Williams version of the halo in our matt white finish. Thoughts on the look? #USGP #FP1 pic.twitter.com/XWkTrBxloO
— WILLIAMS RACING (@WilliamsRacing) October 21, 2016
The halo on @Dany_Kvyat's car will be removed before he drives out again so he jumps out to stretch his legs a bit pic.twitter.com/Jnih3MkLEA
— Toro Rosso (@ToroRossoSpy) October 21, 2016
Practice makes perfect: #WilliamsRacing tries experimental front wing, CTO Pat Symonds explains https://t.co/f5MNiYHstf @autosport pic.twitter.com/Jg3ykyzthk
— Randstad (@Randstad) October 26, 2016
Yup, we are set to run a Halo on Kevin's car, tomorrow during #FP1! #MexicoGP pic.twitter.com/GClAv3EHyl
— Renault Sport F1 (@RenaultSportF1) October 27, 2016
Guess what this looks like? Felipe will test the halo system for the first time #F1 #MexicoGP #FP1 #FN12 pic.twitter.com/ZQcNt7Ig0z
— Sauber F1 Team (@SauberF1Team) October 28, 2016
Let's start our #FP1 coverage shall we? 5mins until green light & we have The Halo fitted on Kevin's car. #MexicoGP pic.twitter.com/j12RC2rQQJ
— Renault Sport F1 (@RenaultSportF1) October 28, 2016
We did have this ready but Kev was happy to get in as usual. Also, he uses the other side & totally didn't see it. pic.twitter.com/9Pys7m7EZj
— Renault Sport F1 (@RenaultSportF1) October 28, 2016
We know you're all waiting for this… just three mins to FP1! #MexicoGP #YoSoyForceIndia pic.twitter.com/rp68Ef8km4
— Sahara Force India (@ForceIndiaF1) October 28, 2016
3 minutes to go for some track action #FP1 #F1 #MexicoGP pic.twitter.com/rBWCNXGHx1
— Sauber F1 Team (@SauberF1Team) October 28, 2016
Drivers are in, boots on, 2mins to go! #MexicoGP #FP1 pic.twitter.com/hbkq1m6vZe
— Renault Sport F1 (@RenaultSportF1) October 28, 2016
#FP1 is about to kick off here at the #MexicoGP & @MassaFelipe19 will be testing the halo ? ?? in his opening laps pic.twitter.com/uAxIOnJrXl
— WILLIAMS RACING (@WilliamsRacing) October 28, 2016
Green light! #MexicoGP #FP1 pic.twitter.com/fXpo8De3y3
— Renault Sport F1 (@RenaultSportF1) October 28, 2016
Off we go! #FP1 #F1 #MexicoGP pic.twitter.com/oc0sUAwCk4
— Sauber F1 Team (@SauberF1Team) October 28, 2016
We are all systems go in #FP1 with @ValtteriBottas & @MassaFelipe19 out on track for their install laps #MexicoGP pic.twitter.com/oaX21M6XeP
— WILLIAMS RACING (@WilliamsRacing) October 28, 2016
Let's kick off FP1 proceedings, shall we? Both drivers head out for installation lappage! #MexicoGP #YoSoyForceIndia pic.twitter.com/eAPVcdXvE9
— Sahara Force India (@ForceIndiaF1) October 28, 2016
Early detour for @PWehrlein – German is testing the halo this morning #FP1 #MexicoGP ?? #F1 pic.twitter.com/gL6FByTtZm
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 28, 2016
Little wave from both drivers! We'd show you Jo driving through too but we were too busy looking at our shoes. Oops. pic.twitter.com/abjEle0cFk
— Renault Sport F1 (@RenaultSportF1) October 28, 2016
And they're back! Installapery complete. Time for a touch of fettle & a quick chat! #MexicoGP pic.twitter.com/h3dh8j2yzI
— Renault Sport F1 (@RenaultSportF1) October 28, 2016
Round 2, let's go! #MexicoGP #FP1 pic.twitter.com/yXr2zVm7oo
— Renault Sport F1 (@RenaultSportF1) October 28, 2016
Here we go again #F1 #FP1 #MexicoGP pic.twitter.com/KN0xL1FBr5
— Sauber F1 Team (@SauberF1Team) October 28, 2016
Rubber lay! #MexicoGP #FP1 pic.twitter.com/sospjtKHnB
— Renault Sport F1 (@RenaultSportF1) October 28, 2016
Red flag! Everyone returns. Debris on track, clean up in progress. #MexicoGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/Mk59WqbEm8
— Renault Sport F1 (@RenaultSportF1) October 28, 2016
.@FelipeNasr safely back into pits and undergoing repairs #MexicoGP ?? #F1 pic.twitter.com/7iYiWr8SjJ
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 28, 2016
WATCH: @FelipeNasr's spectacular front wing failure in #FP1
— Channel 4 F1® (@C4F1) October 28, 2016
?| ?? https://t.co/A6PE1MPrnE #MexicoGP ?? #C4F1 pic.twitter.com/ISrNyOdOQc
Varying opinions about #HALO among fans… Remember our related #CFDart blog post?
— Sauber F1 Team (@SauberF1Team) October 29, 2016
Read it here if you missed it >> https://t.co/xsAFT7DC65 pic.twitter.com/vqRGuJ5kpf
LIVE COMMENTARY: Drivers hit the Interlagos track for the first time this weekend >> https://t.co/ub8q2XxCPz #BrazilGP ?? #F1 pic.twitter.com/vOlCtSJBuR
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 11, 2016
So, let's say it for one last Friday this year: drivers, in your cars, #FP1 is about to start! #AbuDhabiGP pic.twitter.com/zCcucgJxp1
— Toro Rosso (@ToroRossoSpy) November 25, 2016
GREEN LIGHT 🚥
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 25, 2016
Under way in the final #FP1 session of 2016
Follow it all online here >> https://t.co/rY8QCVqKtw #AbuDhabiGP 🇦🇪 #F1Finale pic.twitter.com/aiUu8AxlRj
An eye to the future. pic.twitter.com/yZZneL5olg
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) December 8, 2016
Alternatives to the #F1 halo are still "on the table" for 2018, according to the FIA: https://t.co/EuCsgF9P8e pic.twitter.com/fdE3mYWNUI
— Autosport (@autosport) January 18, 2017