GPWizard F1 Forum
F1 News & Discussions => Pit Pass => Topic started by: cosworth151 on September 03, 2012, 06:25:43 PM
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McLaren technical director Paddy Lowe thinks that F1 must now move to closed cockpit cars. "Personally I think something is inevitable because it is the one big [safety] exposure that we have got."
The lap 1 crash at La Source this past week-end has brought a renewed sense of urgency to the discussions of a closed cockpit car. Romain Grosjean's Lotus flew over the front of Alonzo's Ferrari, narrowly missing disaster.
The NHRA started allowing "bubble top" style canopies on their Top Fuel Dragster class cars just weeks ago. Sprint and Midget cars here in the States have long had a cage style structure around the cockpit.
I think that the cage type would be a much better fit for F1. I also think that the time has come for the added safety of such a structure.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/102213 (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/102213)
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Its one of the issues that spits me into halves, as I hate to see any cockpit in a F1 car, but also realize the fact that if we had that years ago, you could have seen a lot more from Ayrton. I cannot accept it in my heart, but my mind keep telling the other way round.. :fool: :fool:
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That is a tough one. As a driver I think I would almost prefer a way to get out of the car quickly as opposed to something else to protect me while I'm in it. It would be tragic if a cockpit or cage got hit, and that somehow jammed the mechanism to open it and free the driver.
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The safety aspect aside our opinions are going to depend on on the visual perspective, the cars are quite ugly with the current nose let alone a cage or canopy over the cockpit. Only time will tell!! :DntKnw:
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I agree. The cars are ugly and a canopy would make it worse. I believe the high nose was a contributing factor in yesterday's accident. A low nose would be less likely to ride over another car and launch you into the air. You could also increase safety by going to a rolling start, but I don't think anyone wants to see that. F1 should think this over very carefully and look at all the factors before making such a drastic change.
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I hope if they must try to find more driver protection they poll all open wheel racing licence holders and don't just take the usual lofty paternal view at the FIA. It's the sport as well as driver's lives they are seeking to preserve, but at what cost if the sport is changed forever by edict of closed cockpits that most disagree with. Brundle is oft heard in TV commentary quoting the fact that all tickets to motor race meetings bear the warning that motor racing is dangerous, so we all know this including the drivers.
I'd hate this to become the excuse to make F1 cars interchangeable with Le Mans prototypes on a safety and cost saving basis. >:D
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I was thinking of something more like a Top Fueler, with lower side panels. It would protect the driver's head in accidents like the one this past Sunday. It would also help in flips like the one Webber had at Valencia a while back, or even a Senna type incident. It wouldn't do much good against a relatively small item, like the spring that hit Massa, but it would allow for easy exit from the car.
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That actually looks pretty good. With the longer cockpit opening, there is still a way for the driver to exit the car without too much complication. :good: :good:
Not sure the teams would like the fact that all the other teams could then easily look in and see all their buttons and levers though ;)
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I agree that's not too bad but I still am agin it.I'm
afraid were going to end up with something that
resembles a jet minus the wings.
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I agree that's not too bad but I still am agin it.I'm
afraid were going to end up with something that
resembles a jet minus the wings.
Well said that man. :good:
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If I made the rules we would have engines like those from the late '70s, early '80s in cars like those from the mid '60s. :DntKnw:
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I don't know, personally I think that F1 cars would look pretty damn cool with an enclosed cockpit. Fighter jets look cool, especially the F1 Falcon.
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a quick Google search resulted in these 2 pics...i'm sold! :good:
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If I can't see the helmet, it ain't F1.
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If I can't see the helmet, it ain't F1.
......or the finger!!!! :DD :DD :DD
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....the cockpit glass doesn't necessarily have to be tinted...
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At Le Mans, maybe. At Monaco, I don't think so.
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I'm all for drivers safety, but for heavens sake, it's Formula 1, open cockpits where you can see the drivers and their reactions, F1 is now as safe as they can make it without going over the top. It's like saying to your son/daughter, don't climb that tree yet I have'nt rigged up the safety harness.
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....the cockpit glass doesn't necessarily have to be tinted...
If the cars turn into that I'll have to find a new hobby. :'(
When I think about it drinking may be cheaper than following F1 on Sky. :swoon: :D
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I agree about the open cockpit. Open cockpits are as much a part of F1 as open wheels. They are an integral part of the sport. The roll cage would be more in tune with the traditions of F1. Besides that, I wonder how well a plastic bubble would stand up to a direct hit from a flying F1 car.
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......or the finger!!!! (http://......or the finger!!!!)
very good Darrell.
The two pix are great but with no tinting it may work. But once again a safety issue if the driver needs to get out fast. Maybe a canpoy like a jet fighter that will blow off with charges if needed.
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The Ferrari with the closed cockpit looks awesome in the pics, but I don't know it's the right look for F1. The most important thing is we don't see anyone get hurt, we all might be thinking differently if Fernando had lost his head on Sunday. If it has to be closed cockpit then the clear non tinted jet fight style gets my vote.
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I think I would prefer the caged cockpit like Cos posted than an actual canopy. Most canopied race cars have alternative escape routes if the canopy is damaged and will not open. An F1 car has electronics and radiators on either side blocking any alternative ways out. I also think the canopy would reduce visibility for the driver in very bright sun or rain conditions.
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A closed cockpit wouldn't be necessary if there were fenders to stop the wheels from touching and launching the cars. It wouldn't take much and might improve aero anyway.
Course then add a cockpit and fenders and you have an IMSA car.
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Adding fenders wouldn't quite be open wheel racing
would it.The fenders are what killed Indy Car for me