Horner calls Halo introduction 'a shame'

Red Bull Formula 1 chief Christian Horner says it is “a shame” that the ‘Halo’ cockpit protection device will be introduced to the sport for 2018, believing it moves away from the open-cockpit nature of grand prix racing.

F1 officials announced ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix that the Halo’s introduction for 2018 had been approved in a bid to improve cockpit safety standards.

The news divided opinion throughout the paddock, and while Horner can understand the reasons for its introduction, he was nevertheless disappointed by the news.

“I think the FIA have made the decision, and I understand the reasons they felt compelled to make it,” Horner said.

“But personally, I don't like the halo. I think it moves away from open-cockpit racing, which Formula 1 has been.

“There are obviously challenges with it. It is quite heavy. We have been given an extra five kilos of weight allowance to implement it.

“But it's not very pretty and it's a shame it's on a grand prix car for next year.”