Max Chilton: There will eventually be protections

After seeing his former teammate fall victim to a fatal accident in Suzuka, the English driver believes that the introduction of closed cockpits will be inevitable: « It’s a weakness we’ve left in motorsport and we need to make it safer. Of course, there are dangers with closed cockpits. For example, if you are stuck in your car, you cannot get out. However, from what I’ve seen in videos, closed cockpits look very sturdy. I think we should find a way to easily exit the car ».

Currently in Indy Lights, he explains in Midweek F1 Report (a Sky Sports show) the benefits of having single-seaters with closed cockpits and thinks that this would enhance driver safety: With closed cockpits, we wouldn’t even think about being hit by debris. It’s certainly a path to consider. It might be in five years or ten years, but I can guarantee there will eventually be protections. I think we can design something that keeps us safer regarding possible accidents while still allowing easy exit. I believe there will undoubtedly be an effort in this area.

Last weekend, Justin Wilson lost his life at the Pocono circuit in an IndyCar race. For now, the former Marussia driver does not wish to join IndyCar too quickly, fearing the very high speeds: “If I went to the United States, it was to eventually race in IndyCar. Since then, I have been seriously considering the idea of racing in IndyCar, even before the accident. After Justin Wilson’s accident, I wonder if it’s a good choice because we go very fast in IndyCar.”

These comments come in the wake of those from Charlie Whitting to Reuters: « We must persevere. We have to do something, even if it doesn’t protect the driver 100% in all circumstances. If it improves the situation then it’s a good thing. There must be a way. »

Closed cockpits have two major drawbacks, which explains why they have not yet been implemented in F1. The first, mentioned by Max Chilton, is that the driver could get trapped inside their car following an accident. They could then suffer from intoxication in the event of a fire. Similarly, how can the driver be rescued if the car is overturned?

Then, a protective bubble certainly has the advantage of preventing an element from falling back on the driver’s head, but it creates the disadvantage of causing the said element to bounce uncontrollably. The debris can then end up being projected onto a car coming from behind, potentially causing a secondary accident, or even into the crowd by going over the protective barriers.