Home F1 Briton Russell thankful for halo device after Giovinazzi crash The halo, a three-point titanium structure which was introduced in 2018 to protect drivers' heads from debris, has proved effective on several occasions. Reuters SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS 31 August, 2020 13:58 IST Antonio Giovinazzi was ahead of George Russell (in frame) when his car snapped out of control at the exit of the Spa-Francorchamps track's fast Fagnes chicane. - AP Reuters SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS 31 August, 2020 13:58 IST George Russell was left feeling grateful for the halo head protection device fitted to his Williams Formula One car after an impact with the bouncing wheel of Antonio Giovinazzi's crashed Alfa Romeo sent him out of Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix.“It is frustrating, I was in the wrong place at the wrong time and there was nothing we could do,” said the Briton.“I went to the left to avoid Antonio's car and then his wheel came from nowhere and hit the front of my car which pushed me into the wall. It was quite a big impact, but I am okay.ALSO READ| Ferrari's Belgian slump leaves Red Bull's Horner with 'sour taste' over engine settlement “I feel very fortunate to have the halo on the car as it could have gone quite near my helmet.”The halo, a three-point titanium structure which was introduced in 2018 to protect drivers' heads from debris like flying wheels, has proved effective on several occasions.Giovinazzi was ahead of Russell when his car snapped out of control at the exit of the Spa-Francorchamps track's fast Fagnes chicane. It hit the barriers, shedding the wheel that Russell hit, before rebounding across the track.ALSO READ| Even Hamilton sympathises with fans over his F1 dominance The incident, which took place a year after Formula Two racer Anthoine Hubert's fatal accident in which he was struck by another car after rebounding off the barriers at the Spa circuit's Eau Rouge corner, left debris strewn across the track and brought out the safety car.“I feel sorry for the team as they deserved a good result this weekend, and of course also for George,” said Giovinazzi.“I was on the limit and when you're there, sometimes mistakes can happen.” Subscribe to our daily newsletter Get your daily dose of Sportstar with handpicked stories delivered right to your inbox! SUBSCRIBE Please enter a valid email address.