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The controversial ‘halo’ cockpit head-protection system will be introduced into Formula 1 in 2018, governing body the FIA has confirmed.
It said the halo “presents the best overall safety performance” after the evaluation of “a large number of devices over the past five years”.
The move comes less than a week after a transparent cockpit ‘shield’ proved unusable at the British Grand Prix.
Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel said the device made him dizzy after one lap.
The ‘shield’ had been prioritised by F1’s bosses because of mixed reactions to the ‘halo’ after extensive testing last year.
The ‘halo’ was found to be the only device that both successfully passed the test of deflecting a wheel fired at it at 150mph and provided a largely unobstructed view.
Some drivers have expressed concerns about the ‘halo’, a wishbone-shaped device that sits on top of the cockpit and meets in a point in front of the driver, both on aesthetic and philosophical grounds.
But, as a collective body, they are in favour of additional head protection.
Alexander Wurz, chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, said: “We drivers respect the FIA’s stand on safet,y and support its ongoing quest to make racing safer.
“Over recent decades, we have seen increasing speeds and every faster lap times and this ultimate racing quest is solely possible due to increasing safety.
“Equally, over the same period of time, we have seen an increase in popularity of our sport.
“F1 is a role model for every increasing safety without jeopardising performance. While the halo solution might not be the most aesthetically pleasing for everyone, we drivers will nevertheless race and push as hard as we can on track, which is the key for F1 to continue its growth and popularity.”
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