Formula 1 drivers are split as to whether the 'Halo' canopy concept should be given the green-light for the 2017 season following a trial run by Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen on Thursday.
Raikkonen surprised the paddock when he exited his garage with the Halo canopy installed on his car in what was branded a visibility test, organised by both Ferrari and the FIA.
Whilst the final design will look somewhat different, it gave drivers and fans their first look at what F1 cars might look like next year, though some weren't too pleased with the concept.
"Please no! This is the worst looking mod in Formula 1 history," exclaimed current world champion Lewis Hamilton.
"I appreciate the quest for safety but this is Formula 1, and the way it is now is perfectly fine."
Hamilton's Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg wasn't of the same opinion, writing on his social media accounts: "Massive safety improvement. It will look ok too eventually. I'm all for it!"
Meanwhile Felipe Massa, who suffered a head trauma when he was struck by a loose spring at the 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix, admitted it wasn't the most elegant solution but backed the concept for safety reasons.
"Safety is the most important thing and I totally agree with the halo or the closed cockpits or whatever – I agree with this change," he is quoted by Autosport.
"But it does't look very nice. We'll see how it's going to be. If it's good for the safety, it's fine."
No need for additional safety?
The most outspoken driver was Force India's Nico Hulkenberg. The German branded it "horrible" and doesn't see the need for further head protection despite recent accidents, believing F1 must remain somwhat dangerous.
"Don't do it," he said. "It sends the wrong message. F1 is very safe at the moment.
"It looks horrible, I don't like it and it's just one of these little personal things that I wouldn't like to see it.
"You can't sterilise the sport. There needs to be an element of danger – I think in a way that's sexy and attractive and it's also what Formula 1 needs.
"Safety standards in F1 are pretty high and very good, I'd be happy to accept those risks and keep running as we are."
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