Formula One driver survives horrific crash thanks to halo cockpit requirement

Photo by Peter J Fox/Getty Images

If it weren't for the partially closed titanium device that formed a protective layer around the cockpit of Zhou's race car, he wouldn't be alive today According to CNN, Zhou credited the protection device, known as a halo, for saving his life after he crashed during the British Grand Prix.

I'm okay. Zhou posted a picture of himself along with a caption that said halo saved him. Everyone for your kind messages!

Zhou was one of the drivers involved in the turn one crash, which saw his car flip over and skidding across the track before crashing into the fencing. Zhou was able to avoid serious injuries due to the halo.

CNN is reporting.

Zhou’s car ended up wedged between the tire barrier and catch fencing, which is there to protect fans. The awkward nature of the car’s placement meant it took some time to extract him.

Mercedes’ George Russell, who made contact with Zhou during the collision, immediately got out of his car once it had come to a stop and ran over to check on Zhou.

The rookie, who is the first Chinese driver in F1, was eventually pictured being stretchered away by emergency medical personnel and was later given the all clear after being assessed at the medical center.

Photo by Peter J Fox/Getty Images

Several drivers have credited the halo with saving their lives after initially resisting it. The concept was leaked in 2015 after the death of a driver during a race. A number of other drivers have died in the same way.

The halo was originally designed by Mercedes-Benz, but the FIA took over the development process in the fall. There was a proposal from the Red Bull Racing team.

Many have looked to F1 to lead the way in this area since it is the most prestigious racing series. The plan to introduce cockpit halos in F1 was delayed due to the relatively short time it would take to implement them. The following year saw the introduction of halos. The halo cockpits in Formula E's race cars include some light-colored accents.

The aesthetic of halo cockpits has drawn ire from some fans of racing. The halo can make the difference between life and death when you fly around a hairpin turn at 200mph.