FIA keeps canopy safety concept in the cards

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The FIA is keeping the canopy safety concept on the backburner, in case teams end up rejecting the Halo device.

The canopy design, or Aeroscreen, was initially devised by Red Bull Racing last year but work on the device was abandoned following unsatisfactory tests conducted by the FIA.

The jury is still out with regard to introducing a cockpit safety device, normally the Halo, from 2018, despite a majority of drivers giving the device a thumbs up.

Speaking at last weekend's Autosport International Show in Birmingham, F1 deputy director Laurent Mekies said that development work on the Halo has been completed, and the decision now resides with the team's and the governing body.

Should the Halo be met with rejection after all, the FIA could pivot towards the canopy design although the concept was nowhere near as advanced in terms of development and testing.

"We are waiting for the final word from our bosses to know if they want the Halo, if they want the canopy, if they want something in between, or if they want something more aesthetically pleasing - even if there is a price to pay," explained Mekies.

"Everything is on the table. There is nothing that we consider impossible right now."

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Mekies said that the 2018 introduction deadline for a cockpit safety device still stood, but that the very principle of its implementation was more of a philosophical than practical matter.

"The engineering work is done. Somebody needs to decide if it's right for F1 or not; if it's compatible with the DNA.

"The net safety benefit is established. After that, we accept that F1 is not a closed car. So is it right for F1? It is for somebody to answer your questions, which is very much the stakeholders.

"We have to look at this aspect, because the sport is about that. That's what is being discussed quite intensely right now."

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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.