The development of the halo followed fatal accidents in 2009 involving Henry Surtees at Brands Hatch in Formula 2, and Felipe Massa during qualifying at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Initial investigations focused on closed cockpits and forward roll structures, but these were deemed less effective due to issues with flexing or shattering. The FIA examined collisions with vehicles, barriers, and debris, finding the halo significantly reduced risk of injury by preventing helmet contact with barriers and deflecting objects.
The Dallara F2 2018 car was the first to be fitted with the halo in August 2017, followed by the SRT05e Formula E car in January 2018 and the 2019 FIA Formula 3 car unveiled in Abu Dhabi. Indy Lights began using the halo with the IL-15 in 2021. Alternative systems, such as Red Bull’s transparent Aeroscreen and the FIA’s Shield, were explored but did not gain traction, with Shield being abandoned due to distorted vision reported by Sebastian Vettel during a 2017 British Grand Prix test.
Initial reception to the halo was mixed. Niki Lauda claimed it distorted the "essence of racing cars," while fans expressed concerns about its visual impact and potential obstruction of vision. Some teams, including Ferrari and Mercedes, raised safety concerns about driver extraction. However, former drivers like Jackie Stewart welcomed the system, comparing it to the introduction of seat belts. Max Verstappen initially opposed the halo, stating it "abused the DNA" of F1.
Several incidents have demonstrated the halo’s protective capabilities. In the 2018 Formula 2 race in Spain, Tadasuke Makino’s halo was struck by Nirei Fukuzumi’s car, and Charles Leclerc’s halo was hit by Fernando Alonso’s airborne McLaren at the 2018 Belgian Grand Prix, with both drivers crediting the halo with potentially saving their lives. Toto Wolff, who had previously criticised the halo, acknowledged its value after the Leclerc incident.
Further incidents at the 2019 Monza Formula 3 event, the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix involving Romain Grosjean, the 2021 Italian Grand Prix collision between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, and the 2022 British Grand Prix crash of Zhou Guanyu, all highlighted the halo’s effectiveness in preventing serious injury. In 2023, incidents at the Baku Formula 2 round and the Indianapolis 500, involving Jehan Daruvala and Kyle Kirkwood respectively, further demonstrated its protective qualities. A 2025 Formula 2 race at the Red Bull Ring saw the halo prevent injury to Luke Browning when another car flipped over his vehicle, as noted by commentator Alex Brundle.
A single halo unit costs between €13,000 and €24,000, with each team required to equip both of their cars with the device.