Mercedes F1 team’s Valtteri Bottas unaffected by ‘Halo’ on simulation runs

Formula One fans, pundits and drivers alike have baulked at the aesthetics of the ‘Halo’, but Mercedes F1 team’s Valtteri Bottas believes it is worth sticking with.

Valtteri Bottas says he has already become well-accustomed to driving with the ‘Halo’ cockpit protection.

Mercedes F1 team’s Valtteri Bottas understands the importance of the ‘Halo’ device which will feature on all cars in Formula One next season. (Twitter)

The device will feature on all cars in Formula One next season, with the FIA settling on the ‘Halo’ in their attempts to minimise the kind of incidents which cost Justin Wilson and Henry Surtees their lives in other formulas.

Fans, pundits and drivers alike have baulked at the aesthetics of the ‘Halo’, but Mercedes F1 team’s Bottas believes it is worth sticking with.

“In the simulator I’ve done a race simulation already with the ‘Halo’, and I have to say during the race I never noticed it anymore,” Bottas said.

“Once you get used to it it’s there and you get used to it, I think that’s going to be the same for the spectators.

“Initially, it’s something new, it looks different - some people say it’s not nice at all.

“But I think it’s only a matter of time everyone will get used to it, and if it can avoid even one injury - big or small - it’s a good device.”