Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsSafety

Drivers want cockpit protection by 2017

F1 drivers want increased cockpit protection to be introduced no later than the 2017 season.

The FIA - in consultation with the Grand Prix Drivers' Association [GPDA] - has been investigating a number of different solutions to improve head protection, including closed cockpits. GPDA chairman Wurz says the research has highlighted the best way to progress which the drivers are in favour of being introduced as soon as possible.

"The research the FIA experts have done is very thorough and the process has brought forward a clear solution," Wurz told the BBC. "Now the drivers feel it's time to implement the extra protection at the latest in 2017."

Wurz says it is the 'halo' device (pictured) which has the drivers' backing, and says there is no excuse to it not being implemented next year.

"Obviously structural changes are required to the chassis but, with almost a one-year lead time, I don't see any technical person speaking against such substantial safety improvements, especially given the last big accidents in open-wheel racing involved head injuries.

"So all the drivers, and I, hope that passing the additional head protection will be a formality."

The topic will be discussed during a Technical Regulation Meeting in London on Friday, where the FIA hopes to also make progress regarding the 2017 regulations which are designed to produce faster and more aggressive-looking cars.

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Andrew Lewin

Andrew first became a fan of Formula 1 during the time when Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill were stepping into the limelight after the era of Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Aryton Senna. He's been addicted ever since, and has been writing about the sport now for nearly a quarter of a century for a number of online news sites. He's also written professionally about GP2 (now Formula 2), GP3, IndyCar, World Rally Championship, MotoGP and NASCAR. In his other professional life, Andrew is a freelance writer, social media consultant, web developer/programmer, and digital specialist in the fields of accessibility, usability, IA, online communities and public sector procurement. He worked for many years in magazine production at Bauer Media, and for over a decade he was part of the digital media team at the UK government's communications department. Born and raised in Essex, Andrew currently lives and works in south-west London.