Jolyon Palmer believes that Formula One will lose a human connection with both the sport and the fans if the 'halo' device is bought into the sport in 2017.
Following the fatal head injuries sustained by Jules Bianchi and Justin Wilson whom both passed away in 2015, the FIA announced plans to bring the 'halo' into the sport for 2017.
Cockpit protection has long divided teams, drivers and fans alike with the ever present risk in all forms of motorsport.
For Palmer's Channel 4 column I asked the 2014 GP2 Champion for his thoughts on the 'halo': "I would rather not race with it."
" I’ve taken the risk for all these years because I realise that safety is important and the driver’s head being exposed is the biggest risk but it’s a risk I’m happy to run with because the nature of F1 should be open cockpit."
"The driver’s helmet is an important part of who they are, the crowd can see you working at the wheel and if you covered the cockpit you would lose a human part of the sport as well as its history."
Following the fatal head injuries sustained by Jules Bianchi and Justin Wilson whom both passed away in 2015, the FIA announced plans to bring the 'halo' into the sport for 2017.
Cockpit protection has long divided teams, drivers and fans alike with the ever present risk in all forms of motorsport.
For Palmer's Channel 4 column I asked the 2014 GP2 Champion for his thoughts on the 'halo': "I would rather not race with it."
" I’ve taken the risk for all these years because I realise that safety is important and the driver’s head being exposed is the biggest risk but it’s a risk I’m happy to run with because the nature of F1 should be open cockpit."
"The driver’s helmet is an important part of who they are, the crowd can see you working at the wheel and if you covered the cockpit you would lose a human part of the sport as well as its history."
The 25-year-old isn't the only one against cockpit protection in the sport. In February World Champion Lewis Hamilton and Le Mans winner Nico Hulkenberg both came out and slammed the concept.
Hamilton said the head protection is: " This is the worst looking mod in Formula 1 history. I appreciate the quest for safety but this is Formula One, and the way it is now is perfectly fine."
Force India driver Hulkenberg has been the most vocal against the concept saying: "I feels a bit like trying to eliminate every little bit of risk is I think moving a bit in the wrong direction, making the sport a bit unattractive."
"It’s also one element I think which has attracted people and fans to the sport as well and that’s why I don’t think we should do it.”
Although the safety of the drivers is paramount many believe that the 'halo' is a knee jerk reaction to Bianchi and Wilson's accidents, and it doesn't solve the issue of head protection as it is a halfway house between no protection and a full canopy.
Read Jolyon Palmer's column in full HERE
Hamilton said the head protection is: " This is the worst looking mod in Formula 1 history. I appreciate the quest for safety but this is Formula One, and the way it is now is perfectly fine."
Force India driver Hulkenberg has been the most vocal against the concept saying: "I feels a bit like trying to eliminate every little bit of risk is I think moving a bit in the wrong direction, making the sport a bit unattractive."
"It’s also one element I think which has attracted people and fans to the sport as well and that’s why I don’t think we should do it.”
Although the safety of the drivers is paramount many believe that the 'halo' is a knee jerk reaction to Bianchi and Wilson's accidents, and it doesn't solve the issue of head protection as it is a halfway house between no protection and a full canopy.
Read Jolyon Palmer's column in full HERE