FIA race director Charlie Whiting has maintained the correct procedure was followed in extracting Nico Hulkenberg following his crash at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The German was pitched into a barrel roll by Romain Grosjean on the exit of Turn 9 on the opening lap coming to a rest upside down against the barrier.
Though a small fire raised initial concerns, it was quickly put out but to the surprise of a few, Hulkenberg didn’t get out until after the car had been turned back over, raising questions if the Halo had blocked his path.
“Quite clearly that’s one of the sort of accidents the Halo was designed to help with,” Whiting told Motorsport.com.
“It provides more space for the driver once the car is upside down. That was one of the things we wanted to make sure was still possible.
“We knew he was OK and there was nothing to worry about there, so the routine, under those circumstances, is to put the car back on its wheels, which has to be done carefully of course. Once back on its wheels he was able to get out by himself.
“It was very controlled from what I could see, and our medical delegate was more than happy with the way it was done. It all worked exactly as it should.”
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1996 world champion Damon Hill wasn’t convinced, however, airing his concerns.
“When he was upside down he was not able to extricate himself,” he was quoted by PlanetF1.
“I’ve been upside down and with the roll hoop you could crawl out between the gap and the cockpit sides where there was enough room. I just don’t see that with the halo on. I think it’s a more difficult thing to do.
“He’s alright and protected but he can’t get out. So there may be a few questions about that one.”