Legal issues forced the 'halo' on F1 - Horner

Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton tests the halo cockpit protection device

Red Bull Racing's Christian Horner says the FIA had no choice but to back the introduction of the 'halo' safety device after Mercedes' trialed the concept.

When the German outfit presented the cockpit protection component last season, from there on it virtually backed the FIA into a corner, according to Horner.

"Mercedes came out with that concept (Halo) and it put the FIA in a difficult position," he told Auto Motor und Sport.

"If we have an accident now and we don't have Halo on the car, but it might have saved a life, then from a legal standpoint it will be difficult to argue why it wasn't there if it was available," he said.

Stewart sees 'halo' as necessary pre-emptive measure

Horner, who is no fan of the 'halo', encouraged Red Bull early on to develop an alternative solution for cockpit protection, the 'aeroscreen', which was ultimately dismissed by the governing body.

"That's why we (Red Bull) developed the Aeroscreen -- to try to solve the problem more aesthetically than this 'flip flop'.

"The FIA is now in a corner with only the Halo and no other option.

"My concern is that every racing formula down to karts will have to have this thing -- where does it stop? I think that at a certain point, as a driver, you have to accept certain risks," Horner said.

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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.