Paul Jeffrey
Premium
Following a Strategy Group meeting today, the FIA has confirmed the controversial 'Halo' concept will finally be introduced from the start of the 2018 Grand Prix season.
Trialled by serveral teams during various Grand Prix practice sessions last season, and chosen above the 'shield' concept run by Ferrari at Silverstone last weekend, the Halo head protection solution has now been confirmed for mandatory introduction next year.
Pushed through in answer to a drive for increased head protection in light of several head trauma related fatalities in recent years, the Halo has been met with a mixed reception from drivers and fans alike since making its first public appearance.
Alexander Wurz, chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, said:
"We drivers respect the FIA's stand on safety and support its ongoing quest to make racing safer.
"Over recent decades, we have seen increasing speeds and every faster lap times and this ultimate racing quest is solely possible due to increasing safety.
"Equally, over the same period of time, we have seen an increase in popularity of our sport.
"F1 is a role model for ever-increasing safety without jeopardising performance. While the halo solution might not be the most aesthetically pleasing for everyone, we drivers will nevertheless race and push as hard as we can on track, which is the key for F1 to continue its growth and popularity."
"Over recent decades, we have seen increasing speeds and every faster lap times and this ultimate racing quest is solely possible due to increasing safety.
"Equally, over the same period of time, we have seen an increase in popularity of our sport.
"F1 is a role model for ever-increasing safety without jeopardising performance. While the halo solution might not be the most aesthetically pleasing for everyone, we drivers will nevertheless race and push as hard as we can on track, which is the key for F1 to continue its growth and popularity."
The decision to take up the option of introducing the 'Halo' solution comes in the wake of Sebastian Vettel's failed test of the more aesthetically pleasing 'shield' at Silverstone, where the German claimed he felt "dizzy" and pulled into the pits after just a single lap.
The FIA have been evaluating a number of head protection options in recent years, and have now confirmed the Halo will be making an appearance on all cars as of next season, albeit with some modifications from the version see out on track during 2016.
Full statement from the FIA:
Today the Formula One Strategy Group met to discuss a number of issues regarding the FIA Formula One World Championship. For the first time, all teams competing in the FIA Formula One World Championship were present at the meeting with observers from Renault Sport Formula One Team, Scuderia Toro Rosso, Sauber F1 Team and Haas F1 Team in attendance.
Key topics discussed at the meeting included:
Frontal cockpit protection
Following the unanimous agreement of the Strategy Group, in July 2016, to introduce additional frontal protection for Formula One and the repeated support from the drivers, the FIA confirms the introduction of the Halo for 2018. With the support of the teams, certain features of its design will be further enhanced.
Having developed and evaluated a large number of devices over the past five years, it had become clear that the Halo presents the best overall safety performance.
2021 Power Unit
An update was given to all attendees regarding the two recent extraordinary meetings held in Paris involving significant representation from the bulk of global motor sport power unit manufacturers.
Further analysis will be completed over the summer which will be reviewed at the next meeting of the Strategy Group in September.
Cost control
A new approach to cost control was presented and received unanimous support. A dedicated Working Group made up of representation from the Commercial Right Holders, the FIA and the teams will be tasked to come up with innovative solutions aimed at ensuring the sport remains sustainable in the coming years.
Improving the show
A number of sporting measures aimed at improving the show were also debated and specific studies will be carried out to assess these.
Check the Formula One Sub Forum here at RaceDepartment for more news and discussion as it happens. Get yourself involved today and join in with the community!
Happy to see the introduction of head protection in Formula One? Do you think it necessary? Is the 'Halo' the correct choice in your opinion? Let us know in the comments section below!
Last edited: