--- title: "Fernando Alonso Thinks F1’s Halo Shouldn’t Be a Debatable Issue" description: "Much like Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, Alonso is happy to welcome safety improvements for drivers." date: "2018-02-24" modified: "2018-02-24" authors: - name: "Jerry Perez" job_title: "Deputy Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/18766/fernando-alonso-thinks-f1s-halo-shouldnt-be-a-debatable-issue" categories: - "News" tags: - "Fernando Alonso" - "Formula 1" - "Halo" - "Racing News" - "Sebastien Vettel" - "Toto Wolff" --- # Fernando Alonso Thinks F1’s Halo Shouldn’t Be a Debatable Issue ![]() *\www.thedrive.com\* The new Halo device attached to this year's F1 cars has caused heated debates within the motorsports community, as well as the sport's fanbase. Many of [F1's heavy-hitters]() have chimed in to share their disapproval of the FIA's decision to enforce the halo, but it was McLaren-Renault's Fernando Alonso who recently expressed his displease with the debate surrounding the safety device. According to [*Autosport*](), Alonso believes the hype surrounding the halo will dissipate once the season gets started and that there shouldn't be any debate surrounding drivers' safety. "Again, this is a safety device, it's head protection for the drivers, so there should not be any debate on that, as long as it's a safety device," said Alonso. ![message-editor%2F1519498410204-7uy5m6mnkkztrcsuujdzwr7wc7ei5sic\_mcl33\_side\_mc.jpg]() *McLaren* ![message-editor%2F1519498416506-ebuhskdu3hl0coc7m8fvgbbtqqfoo8p1\_mcl33\_3-4\_mc.jpg]() *McLaren* The Spaniard's comments came after Executive Director and Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, [Toto Wolff](), said that he would remove the halo of the new W09 "with a chainsaw" if he could. Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel shares Alonso's feelings on the matter and has gone as far as [bringing up the late Justin Wilson]() and how his life could've possibly been saved by such device. “If you offer the system as it stands, with the power it has to give us protection, offer that to Justin Wilson some time ago, he would take it," said Vettel during a 2017 interview. While the halo introduces a new, drastic visual characteristic to an F1 car's [iconic design](), it must be understood that the FIA's implementation of the new rule is for safety and safety only. In a series plagued by red tape and politics, the constant quest for zero fatalities should be championed, not criticized. ## Author Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter. ### Author social links [Instagram]()