Formula 1 has elected to abandon proposals to introduce the halo for 2018, instead preferring to concentrate efforts on a protective ‘shield.’
Formula 1 has strived to increase head protection in recent years, with the halo, a device which wraps around the cockpit area, emerging as the preferred option.
The halo was trialled extensively in 2016 but its introduction, planned for 2017, was delayed until 2018, as further tests were carried out.
However, it was announced following a meeting of the Formula 1 Commission and Strategy Group on Tuesday that the FIA will further develop the ‘shield’ protective system, rather than the halo.
“A number of more integrated solutions for additional frontal protection have been studied, and the decision has been taken to give priority to the transparent ‘shield’ family of systems,” read a statement.
“The FIA aims to carry out track tests of this system during this season in preparation for implementation in 2018.”
Further details on the visual aspects of the shield have not yet been provided by the FIA.
T-WING/SHARK FIN CLAMPDOWN
Measures have also been taken in order to outlaw the ‘shark fin’ and ‘T-wings’ from the 2018 regulations.
Revised technical rules for 2017 pushed teams towards using the shark fin engine cover, last seen in 2011, while additional aero devices, dubbed T-wings, have been present atop several engine covers.
Red Bull chief Christian Horner urged the sport to ban T-wings, after Max Verstappen’s RB13 sustained £50,000 worth of damage when he struck the device which fell off Valtteri Bottas’ Mercedes during practice in Bahrain.
“Changes in the [2018] regulation boxes around the engine cover have been made so that designs incorporating the ‘t-wing’ and ‘shark fin’ will be strictly limited,” the FIA confirmed.
OTHER CHANGES
Moves have been made in order to increase driver identification for spectators, starting from next month’s Spanish Grand Prix.
Information was given to teams that, from the start of the European campaign, regulations will be strictly enforced to ensure that visibility of drivers’ names and numbers on the cars will be clearer.
From 2018, any race which is suspended will be resumed from a standing start; currently red-flagged races recommence behind the Safety Car.
GREATER TRANSPARENCY
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Formula 1’s Strategy Group has come under fire for its lack of transparency, as, unlike the Formula 1 Commission, not every team is directly involved in its meetings.
However, Tuesday’s meeting in Paris was the first to feature new Formula 1 CEO Chase Carey, who arrived in the wake of Liberty Media’s takeover of the sport.
It was decided in the meeting to make a move towards greater transparency in the future.
“Representatives from the non-member teams will now be invited to meetings of the F1 Strategy Group to have access to the discussions, demonstrating the effective commitment of both the FIA and the Commercial Rights Holder to improve transparency in the sport,” concluded a statement.
Toro Rosso, Renault, Haas and Sauber do not currently sit on the Strategy Group.
