Three-time Formula 1 world champion Niki Lauda has described the FIA's decision to push through the Halo head protection device an "overreaction" and one that the sport will "regret later".
The governing body has gone against an almost unanimous vote against its introduction – only Ferrari voted in favour – to push the device through on safety grounds.
Lauda's Mercedes co-worker Toto Wolff admitted he isn't a fan of the Halo, but said the FIA had no choice but to act. Lauda meanwhile is strongly against the decision and says it's an overreaction to recent events and will destroy the DNA of the sport.
"There is no doubt that you have to improve safety where you can," the 68-year-old, who has been involved in life-threatening accidents during his F1 career, told Auto Motor und Sport.
"We tried the Halo, then the Aeroscreen from Red Bull and the Ferrari Shield. No one is 100 per cent convinced [by these]. You have to make the right decision. The Halo is the wrong one."
Lauda believes F1 is now safer than ever and with the risk of flying wheels greatly reduced thanks to new stronger tethers, head protection isn't such a massive issue, particularly as the Halo wouldn't have helped Jules Bianchi and it's possible it wouldn't have helped Felipe Massa when a loose spring struck his head.
"The Halo destroys the DNA of a Formula 1 car," added Lauda. "The FIA ​​has made F1 as safe as it gets. Also the danger of flying wheels is largely stopped, because the wheels are now more firmly attached. The risk to the drivers has become minimal.
"There is 100 per cent a better solution than the Halo, otherwise we would not have tasted three [other] things. If we find something that does not destroy the aesthetics, then it will be introduced in 2019. It's as simple as that. There is no reason to do something we will regret later."
He added: "We're just [now] trying hard with [the introduction] of fast cars [to attract] new fans. This is destroyed by an overreaction."
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