Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg tells ´haters´ to get over F1 halo

Formula One fans and high-profile figures alike are not too keen on the idea of closed cockpits in the sport, but Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg has told the “haters” to “get over it”.

Moves are being made to introduce either a ‘Halo’ or ‘Aeroscreen’ device for the cockpit in F1 starting next year.

Red Bull tested the latter in Friday free practice at the Russian Grand Prix, but opinion remains split on whether it is in the best interest of the sport.

However, while world championship leader Rosberg said he can understand where people are coming from, the safety of the drivers remains paramount.

“We are well aware that it is not ideal for the purists, and we [the drivers] are purists ourselves,” he explained. “So we are well aware of that compromise.

“But in the history of the sport, where safety has come about, it has always been a compromise. Every episode you can talk about in the history of the last 60 years, there has been exactly the same moaning initially, exactly the same issues with the looks changing and the look being worse.

“Just think back to the cockpit [sides] being raised and people not seeing the drivers any more. Every time it is the same. We just need to accept that.

“Hopefully the haters will get over it. Of course I respect them and I understand them, but hopefully they can get over it and it is the right direction for F1.

“It is the biggest danger zone that remains in our sport, as we have seen fatalities as well unfortunately, and so it is an area where we need to keep pushing safety.

“It is the area that is most important at the moment, so it is great to see things progressing, and I am confident a solution will be found. All drivers are up for it.”