Pascal Wehrlein Thanks Red Bull Boss Laurent Mekies for Life-Saving Halo After Horror Crash

Pascal Wehrlein has revealed he messaged Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies after his terrifying upside-down crash in last season's Formula E São Paulo E-Prix. Wehrlein credited Mekies, then the FIA safety director, for his pivotal role in introducing the halo safety device, which he believes saved his life. This weekend, Formula E returns to São Paulo, a year after the incident that saw Wehrlein's helmet make slight contact with a wall, yet he escaped with relatively minor injuries.

Why it matters:

The halo has been a controversial but ultimately life-saving innovation in motorsport. Wehrlein's direct testimony underscores the critical importance of safety advancements like the halo, validating the FIA's commitment to driver protection. His story serves as a powerful reminder of how these technologies can prevent catastrophic outcomes in high-speed racing.

The Details:

• Wehrlein, a former Ferrari simulator and development driver, had previously worked with Mekies, who was at Ferrari at the time.
• Before his tenure at Ferrari, Mekies served as the FIA safety director and was a key figure in the development and introduction of the halo.
• Following the São Paulo crash, Wehrlein texted Mekies, stating, "Thank you very much for saving my life."
• Mekies recently sent Wehrlein a voice message after the story gained traction, expressing his appreciation for the recognition.
• Wehrlein recalled a presentation on the halo during his F1 days, led by Mekies, which explained its purpose and design.

The Big Picture:

Wehrlein's incident is one of many where the halo has proven its worth across various open-wheel categories. From Romain Grosjean's fiery F1 crash in Bahrain to numerous other close calls, the device has consistently demonstrated its effectiveness in protecting drivers from severe head injuries. It has become an indispensable part of modern motorsport safety standards.

What's Next:

As Formula E kicks off its season in São Paulo, Wehrlein is now focused on reclaiming the championship. He enters the final Gen3 era season with high hopes, aiming to secure his second title and put the #1 back on his car. Porsche's strong pre-season testing performance positions Wehrlein as a leading contender, as he seeks to join Jean-Éric Vergne as the only two-time Formula E champion.