Sauber driver Charles Leclerc pays tribute to Formula One's safety device, the Halo, following yesterday's crash which could have left the Monegasque driver with serious injuries.
The crash took place on the opening corner, when Nico Hulkenberg collided with Fernando Alonso, whose car went in the air and collided with Leclerc.
Alonso's MCL33 was within inches of Leclerc's head and he has the sport's new safety design to thank for that, following the device becoming mandatory at the start of this season.
"I have never been a fan of the halo, but I have to say that I was very happy to have it over my head today," Leclerc told the Guardian. "I felt the impact and looking and looking at the image of my car it is quite spectactular. I was lucky."
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has been openly critical of the device in the past but admits that it proved its worth yesterday after it saved the Sauber driver.
"As you know, I am not a fan of the halo because I think the aesthetics are terrible," Wolff explained. "But having saved Charles from harm and injury it makes it all worth it. It could have been very nasty."
McLaren driver Alonso, who was obviously heavily involved in the collision, has praised the halo as well.
"I flew over Leclerc's car and the halo was a very good thing to have today," Alonso said. "Looking at the replay, I think it helped him. We didn't have any doubts about it before, but this accident shows it offers good protection."
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