Lewis Hamilton would choose not to use the 'Halo' cockpit protection if it is introduced to Formula 1 as an optional addition to their cars in the future.
Following the recent deaths of F1 driver Jules Bianchi and IndyCar's Justin Wilson from head injuries sustained while racing, the FIA has been pushing to improve cockpit safety ahead of a possible implementation for the 2017 season.
Mercedes' 'Halo' design was given its first public trial in Barcelona on Thursday when Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen ran it on his car, with teammate Sebastian Vettel also using it the following morning.
The response of the drivers has been mixed, with three-time world champion Hamilton calling it "the worst looking mod in Formula 1 history" on Instagram.
The Briton elaborated on his initial response on Friday, telling reporters that he would choose not to use the 'Halo' if given the choice.
“If it is going to come in, I hope we have an option to use it or not because I will not be using it on my car,” Hamilton said.
“Ultimately it’s the driver’s protection so we should have a choice individually. I should be able to decide whether to have to put that on my car, because it wouldn’t be something that I would choose.
“I like it the way it is now. When I get in the car I know there is a certain risk. Safety is a very, very important issue for sure but there are risks that we take and you have to decide how much of a risk you are going to take.
“For me, I would rather drive without it and risk it.”
