Triple World Champion Lewis Hamilton has spoken out against F1's planned cockpit protection for 2017.
Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen tested out the Halo concept in Barcelona today, giving the world a first view of what Formula One cars will look like with its first ever cockpit protection.
The current World Champion joins the 2015 Le Mans winner Nico Hulkenberg to speak out against the Halo design.
Hamilton posted on Instagram, "Please no! This is the worst looking mod in Formula 1 history. I appreciate the quest for safety but this is Formula 1, and the way it is now is perfectly fine."
The halo concept has been researched and conducted by the sport's governing body the F.I.A. along with Mercedes, which is incidentally the British drivers team.
Hulkenberg also had plently to say on the proposal, “I think safety and security in F1 and the standards are pretty high and very good. I would be happy to accept those risks and keep running as we are.
“And for me it 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.”
Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen tested out the Halo concept in Barcelona today, giving the world a first view of what Formula One cars will look like with its first ever cockpit protection.
The current World Champion joins the 2015 Le Mans winner Nico Hulkenberg to speak out against the Halo design.
Hamilton posted on Instagram, "Please no! This is the worst looking mod in Formula 1 history. I appreciate the quest for safety but this is Formula 1, and the way it is now is perfectly fine."
The halo concept has been researched and conducted by the sport's governing body the F.I.A. along with Mercedes, which is incidentally the British drivers team.
Hulkenberg also had plently to say on the proposal, “I think safety and security in F1 and the standards are pretty high and very good. I would be happy to accept those risks and keep running as we are.
“And for me it 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.”
The Halo concept however has been adopted following the deaths of Frenchman Jules Bianchi and Brit Justin Wilson, whom were killed last year. However the Halo wouldn't have saved Bianchi or Wilson in their fatal incidents.
Bianchi's father, Philippe Bianchi told reporters that he wan't convinced by the halo concept improving saftey like it shuld, "I consider that this is a step forward in term of safety. It is obvious that in the case of a wheel coming off, this system would be effective.
"However, in the case of small debris, like Felipe Massa [in Hungary 2009] Justin Wilson had, it wouldn't have changed anything. So this is a step forward, but it does not solve everything."
Hamilton's team mate Nico Rosberg, however has taken a different view on the halo concept, "MY OPINION: Massive safety improvement. It will look ok too eventually. I'M ALL FOR IT!"
Safety in motorsport has been subject to debate in recent years with many fans and drivers believing that the sport is becoming 'too' safe with the tarmac run off areas and now the introduction of Cockpit protection.
The sport is seemingly spilt on its view of cockpit protection but either way the Halo crash structure is planned to be implemented in the 2017 regulations, meaning that F1 in 2016 will be the last season of full open cockpit racing!
Bianchi's father, Philippe Bianchi told reporters that he wan't convinced by the halo concept improving saftey like it shuld, "I consider that this is a step forward in term of safety. It is obvious that in the case of a wheel coming off, this system would be effective.
"However, in the case of small debris, like Felipe Massa [in Hungary 2009] Justin Wilson had, it wouldn't have changed anything. So this is a step forward, but it does not solve everything."
Hamilton's team mate Nico Rosberg, however has taken a different view on the halo concept, "MY OPINION: Massive safety improvement. It will look ok too eventually. I'M ALL FOR IT!"
Safety in motorsport has been subject to debate in recent years with many fans and drivers believing that the sport is becoming 'too' safe with the tarmac run off areas and now the introduction of Cockpit protection.
The sport is seemingly spilt on its view of cockpit protection but either way the Halo crash structure is planned to be implemented in the 2017 regulations, meaning that F1 in 2016 will be the last season of full open cockpit racing!