Formula 1: 3 times rule changes created ugly cars

2018 and the halo

When it comes to Formula 1 and aesthetics, the halo must be discussed. This is not to discredit the safety functionality and reason for the development of the halo. But it is safe to say that regardless of what color or on what car, the halo is a massive eyesore.

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Without getting into the deep reasons of why the halo came to be, we will simply discuss the visual indigestion it causes. After seeing enough crashes that threatened the driver and the untimely passing of Jules Bianchi, the FIA decided that one way or another, some structure was going to be placed over the driver’s head.

There were various iterations and design philosophies that included a clear fighter jet-esque windshield, which was tested as a prototype but never adopted. But the FIA decided to go with the stronger and more intrusive carbon fiber halo concept, which, to its credit, has already proven to be a useful safety solution.

While it may serve its purpose very well, we can still discuss the visual downgrade the halo has lent to the sport. Since its introduction at the start of the 2018 season, the massive structure above the cockpit has made drivers’ eye shots impossible to enjoy. It has also put a near end to drivers being able to wave, celebrate or show single-fingered signs of displeasure while on track.

With safety rightly being at the forefront of racing regulations, is it possible we will ever see a golden age of Formula 1 racing again? The 1950s gave us sleek shapes, the 1960s gave us blissful engine tones and the late 1970s gave us increasingly quick speeds. Are the visual golden days of the sport fully in the past?