F1’s strategy group blocks Halo Cockpit Protection

Formula 1’s Strategy Group has voted against the introduction of the halo cockpit protection device until 2018.
Following a meeting of the Group in Geneva on Thursday it was determined the device lacked the required maturity to be fully implemented on F1 cars for 2017.
“It won’t be in F1 next season,” F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone told Autosport. “We’re going to have a good look at it.
“We felt despite the numerous tests conducted by the FIA, it hadn’t been looked at deeply enough, and that it is going to require more time. We’ve also decided we will no longer be calling it the halo. We’re simply going with head protection.”
Ecclestone has also confirmed work will continue on Red Bull’s aeroscreen, and insists F1 should not stand still when it comes to safety.
Ferrari first trialled the halo in pre-season testing at Barcelona, with its arrival causing an immediate divide in opinion amongst the drivers.
“We don’t like the looks of it but I don’t think there’s anything that justifies death,” said Ferrari’s four-times world champion Sebastian Vettel on Thursday before the strategy group’s decision was announced.
“I think it’s up to us to make sure it does happen, otherwise I think we’d be quite stupid.”
Although Ferrari continued to work with the FIA in refining the system – with the second-generation halo reverting to a titanium construction – opinion has remained split.
The FIA attempted to win over the drivers with a presentation last Friday ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, proclaiming there would be a 17% improvement in safety.
Even the likes of Lewis Hamilton, who previously derided the halo as “the worst-looking modification in F1 history”, softened his stance after listening to the FIA’s arguments.
The FIA did have the option of playing a trump card and implementing the halo on safety grounds, but Autosport understands FIA president Jean Todt opted not to go against the majority decision on this occasion.

Category: Formula One