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F1 halo introduction marks 'the end of F1 as we know it'

The introduction of the halo device for 2018 is "the end of Formula 1 as we know it", according to Jolyon Palmer

Several F1 drivers have spoken against the introduction of the device, which has been widely rejected by fans since the FIA confirmed its introduction would be forced through on safety grounds.

"It's an overreaction to problems in other series," said Palmer ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix.

"It's a sad day, a mistake, and there's no coming back from it.

"This will be the end of Formula 1 as we know it, with an open cockpit.

"Since 1994 there's been one fatality in F1 [Jules Bianchi], which is tragic, but the halo wouldn't have stopped it.

"The halo would have prevented no deaths in F1 in 23 years, but because of incidents in IndyCar [Justin Wilson] and Formula 2 [Henry Surtees], where there were different tracks, different safety measures, we're introducing something into F1 that changes the whole tradition and history of the sport.

"I'm not being disrespectful. I just think that the whole essence of single-seater racing is open-top.

"The problems in F2 back then [Palmer was in the race where Surtees was killed], and in IndyCar with Justin Wilson's incident - they aren't problems we experience on modern F1 circuits."

Max Verstappen was another driver to question the need for the halo, given the other safety improvements F1 has made in recent years.

"I don't like it, but you have to respect the decision of the FIA," said the Red Bull driver.

"Since we introduced a virtual safety car, that has reduced a lot of risk of speeding under the yellow flags in the race.

"Also, with the wheel tethers they are quite strong so you won't lose a wheel very easily, and when there are parts flying around the car [the halo] isn't really going to protect you.

"I don't really understand why we should need it."

When asked if he felt it would take away some of the excitement of F1, he said: "I think as soon as I have that thing on my car, I don't like it.

"So the excitement is already gone before I am already sitting in the car."

Haas driver Kevin Magnussen was more outspoken, suggesting that fans were right to be upset about the looks of the car suffering.

"When you look at the car and it is ugly, F1 cars aren't meant to be ugly," he said.

"That is the reason that a Ferrari is more exciting than a Mazda. It is something to do with passion. If it looks shit, it is shit..."

Romain Grosjean, who is a GPDA director, remains widely against any form of additional cockpit protection.

"It was a sad day for Formula 1 when it was announced, and I am still against it," he said.

"I don't think it's got a space in Formula 1.

"As a GPDA member and director, as a driver, I need to thank the FIA for all the research because the research has been pretty strong, the halo is a strong device against a lot of cases.

"But there are a few problems that we may have that we haven't thought of - seeing the starting light on the grid, no one has tried that."

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