The Formula 1 Strategy Group has voted against the introduction of cockpit protection for the 2017 season, the FIA has confirmed.
There were plans to introduce a system, such as the ‘Halo’, to F1 next season in a bid to increase head protection, following several incidents and near misses in recent years.
During the Strategy Group meeting in Geneva on Thursday, it was unanimously agreed that a cockpit protector device will be introduced for 2018.
FIA president Jean Todt, F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone and six teams – Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull, McLaren, Force India and Williams – were in attendance.
Numerous versions of the Halo device, which received a mixed response from drivers when it debuted, have been tested on track during practice sessions.
Red Bull also created its own ‘aeroscreen’ device, which it trialled during FP1 for the Russian Grand Prix.
It was deemed there was too short a timeframe to introduce cockpit protection to F1 next season, with the Strategy Group deciding to use the remainder of 2016 and early 2017 to evaluate potential options.
A statement from the FIA confirmed further on-track tests of the Halo system will take place during practice sessions this season and during the first part of 2017.
The Halo is the preferred system, with the FIA feeling it is the "broadest solution to date", but the Strategy Group feels another year of development will result in a more complete option.
