Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, has confirmed that the ‘Halo’ head protection device will be used in 2018, despite opposition from the majority of teams.
Formula 1 has strived to increase head protection for drivers, with a number of options explored, and the Halo was trialled extensively in 2016.
The Halo was originally scheduled to be introduced for 2017 but this was delayed by a year, while an alternative, the ‘Shield’, was explored.
The Shield was trialled by Sebastian Vettel during practice at Silverstone but the Ferrari driver commented that the device made him dizzy, and it was removed from his car after one lap.
On Wednesday, the FIA confirmed that it will push through the Halo for use in 2018.
“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,” read a statement.
“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.”
All 10 teams were present during the Strategy Group meeting, with representatives from Renault, Toro Rosso, Sauber and Haas joining the regular members. It's believed the majority voted against the introduction of the Halo, but the FIA chose to override them on safety grounds.
Other matters were discussed during the meeting, including the new power unit set to debut in 2021, with the FIA confirming that "further analysis will be completed over the summer which will be reviewed at the next meeting of the Strategy Group in September."
Cost control and improving the show were also tabled for discussion. The statement added that "a new approach to cost control was presented and received unanimous support". Though no further details were given.
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