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WATCH: What it's like to drive with the new F1 Halo Safety device

Germany - Silverstone, United Kingdom - Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff criticised Formula One's controversial new halo head-protection device as the double world champions unveiled their new F1 W09 car for the 2018 season on Thursday.

After years of research and development, the FIA settled on the halo to protect drivers from flying debris and crashes following the fatal accidents of Jules Bianchi at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix and Justin Wilson in a 2015 IndyCar race.

Added weight

Wolff said: "It's a massive weight on the top of the car.

"You screw up the centre of gravity massively and, as much as it is impressive to look at the statistic that you could put a bus on top, this is a F1 car."

Here's the Halo safety device from the driver's point of view: 

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