Much has been written over the past few days about the introduction of the new Halo system for Formula 1 cars from the first race in Melbourne next year.
Even more has been written about the almost total dislike of the appearance of the device on the cars by both drivers and team principals alike.
On Thursday, a media briefing was held in Hungary with FIA Race Director Charlie Whiting and FIA Safety Delegate Laurent Mekies in attendance, where they presented the system and the rationale behind its implementation despite the concerns raised by the drivers and the teams.
At one point it was put to Whiting just how had the system been introduced when it was reported that nine out of the 10 teams present at last week’s extraordinary meeting of the F1 Strategy Group had voted against the Halo’s introduction.
While not confirming whether or not any teams were against the introduction of the system, Whiting denied that any vote had indeed taken place during the meeting, which was not only attended by Strategy Group members (Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull, Force India, Williams and McLaren) but also with representatives from Toro Rosso, Haas, Renault and Sauber in observer attendance too.
When pressed afterwards by Motorsport Week sister title Motorsport Monday, Whiting stated categorically that no vote had taken place or was even needed as the measure had been imposed, or rather forced on the teams, by the FIA, who played their safety card in the matter.
Currently it would have taken unanimous approval by all teams, Pirelli and the commercial right holders to approve the adoption of the Halo system for next year save as where any instance of safety is concerned whereby the FIA have an overriding veto or mandate on these matters.
