Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton reckons Formula 1 is moving towards introducing closed cockpits, following the FIA’s decision to mandate the Halo in 2018.
Formula 1 has been striving to increase head protection available for drivers and has trialled several options, with the Halo, a three-pronged device which wraps around the cockpit, emerging as the best candidate for implementation next season.
Paddock opinion was mixed in the build-up to this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, with Hamilton commenting that the FIA has taken a step towards closed cockpits by introducing the Halo.
“I think the thing is it’s been talked about for some time so we knew it was coming,” he said.
“It’s a difficult one as when they introduced it, talked about it, they mentioned a 17 per cent improvement in safety and it’s difficult to really ignore that.
“It definitely doesn’t look good, we know that, we’ve said that.
“Also the weight of the cars goes up, the cars are already way too heavy, we have these little brakes trying to stop this heavy car, I just hope they do a better job and bring the weight down so when they put this thing on it doesn’t get heavier and harder to stop.
“Also I think, we’ve all tested it, they should, for a couple of FP1s, [put it] on every single car and see how it goes, I don’t think it’s going to change their [the FIA’s] opinion.
“I think we’re moving towards a closed cockpit, I think that would look better, there’s some real great concepts online of a closed cockpit.”
Hamilton also stressed that he hopes the new safety initiatives also trickle down into the FIA’s junior categories, such as Formulas 2, 3 and 4.
“When you think of things that have happened, with drivers getting hit on the head, it’s kind of crazy we’re so vulnerable,” he said.
“Our head’s almost the most precious part of our body and it is exposed, so what we do about it, I don’t argue against it.
“I think also Formula 1 needs to step forwards, I hope if it does come into Formula 1 that lower categories get it as there’s young kids that need that protection also.”
