Jenson Button's close call in Monaco practice highlights 'halo' debate on the day Jules Bianchi's family sue Formula One

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On the day Jules Bianchi's family sued Formula One over his fatal crash, the sport’s dangers flashed in front of Jenson Button’s McLaren car – in the form of a drain cover.

Torn from its mounting on the Monaco streets, the debris bounced across the tarmac and exploded the British driver’s front wing at Sainte Devote.

The cover had been dislodged by Nico Rosberg’s Mercedes causing sparks to fly on the street circuit.

Jenson Button avoided injury when his front wing exploded after being hit by a dislodged drain cover

Button was behind Nico Rosberg's Mercedes in Monaco practice when the cover flew across the track

The scary moment in practice for Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix will encourage those who believe in the value of a ‘halo’ protection over the cockpit.

Designs are being trialled ahead of compulsory introduction of the device next season.

Safety remains the sport’s primary concern, with Bianchi’s death following his accident in the Japanese Grand Prix in 2014 focusing minds.

Button's scare is further cause for the 'halo' protection system that will come in to play next season

The Frenchman’s family are suing Bernie Ecclestone’s Formula One Management, the FIA and his Marussia team, for their alleged parts in his fatality.

They are claiming that errors were made by race organisers that led to his death – despite the FIA’s official report into Bianchi’s death showing that he failed to slow down sufficiently under double yellow flags.

He was travelling at 132mph despite the warning to cut his speed and the rain that was falling at Suzuka.

The close call comes on the same day the family of Jules Bianchi sued Formula One over his death