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FIA had no choice over 'Halo' introduction - Wolff

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff believes the FIA felt compelled to introduce a cockpit protection device for 2018, with the 'Halo' chosen as the best viable option.

Despite overwhelming opposition, within the sport and outside, Formula 1's governing body pushed through its Halo decision on the grounds of safety on Wednesday at an F1 Strategy Group meeting.

Safety alternatives such as the 'Shield', which Ferrari briefly tested last weekend at Silverstone, or Red Bull's 'aeroscreen' concept were not considered as either sufficiently developed or efficient compared the Halo's simple approach.

Having pledged to improve safety around cockpit area sooner rather than later, the FIA had no choice but to include the Halo in F1's 2018 regulations.

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"I think that probably the FIA had no choice than to introduce the halo," Wolff said during an online Mercedes Q&A on Thursday.

"It is the mandate of the FIA to increase the safety, we have looked at various systems and none of them really worked.

"The halo was the only one that was just about right.

"I don't like the looks of it and the aesthetics, but the decision was made yesterday, now we have to make the best out of it."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.