The controversial Halo safety system will not be introduction in the 2017 Formula 1 season after bosses voted against it in the meeting of the Strategy Group on Thursday.
During the Hungarian Grand Prix, the FIA gave a detailed presentation to drivers to explain the benefits of the cockpit head protection concept. Information was also supplied to the teams ahead of the Geneva meeting.
FIA president Jean Todt hoped teams would back the plan but it is understood this support didn’t happen during the meeting. With six of the top teams plus Todt and F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone making the Strategy Group. Currently reasons for the decision have not been explained.
In a statement released by the FIA, they reached the agreement that the Halo needed another year of development.
“It was decided that owing to the relatively short timeframe until the commencement of the 2017 Formula 1 season it would be prudent to use the remainder of this year and early next year to further evaluate the full potential of all options before final confirmation.
“This will include undertaking multiple on-track tests of the ‘Halo’ system in practice sessions during the rest of this season and during the first part of the 2017 season.
“While the Halo is currently the preferred option, as it provides the broadest solution to date, the consensus among the Strategy Group was that another year of development could result in an even more complete solution.”
