Two-time Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso walked away unhurt from a massive collision at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix this past Sunday. McLaren’s Alonso was launched into the air and came to rest upside down after the high-speed crash with Esteban Gutierrez’s Haas. He was able to get out of the wreckage unharmed and was taken to the medical centre for a check-up and later discharged.
The ‘halo’ device fuels debate
His escape from the horrifying accident raised questions to the debate about proposed improvements to cockpit protection. Some commentators raised concerns saying the ‘halo’ device which is fixed at three points including a central pillar in front of the driver, might have prevented Alonso to quickly get out of the wreckage.
Former racer and Sky TV commentator, Johnny Herbert, said the ‘halo’ would have caused more problems of getting out the wreckage. The improvement will be thought about for next year. Herbert broke two legs in a Formula 3000 crash before he made it to Formula One.
Alonso’s team-mate and the 2009 world champion, Jensen Button, said although there’s more safety risk of things hitting your head during an accident, there are benefits from having a ‘halo’ device.
Last season, Alonso missed the Australian Grand Prix after suffering from concussion in a testing crash. Speaking to BBC Radio 5, Alonso told reporters that he feels good and he’s trying to put everything in place again in his body following the crash. He later posted a photo on Instagram holding the Herald Sun with the front-page headline ‘Luckiest Man Alive’.
“I’m thankful for the safety of these cars. I’m alive, thanks to the job of the last 10 to 15 years of Formula One” – Fernando Alonso.
