As his team ran the controversial device at Silverstone, Red Bull boss Christian Horner admits the team would likely vote against the introduction of the Halo device next year.

While the FIA is keen to introduce the Halo device in 2017, the latest move to improve the sport's safety, many are still unhappy with the controversial device. Though most drivers are in favour of it, a number, most notably Lewis Hamilton, are against, whilst, as ever, the teams are taking a political approach.

Though the latest incarnation of the device, as run by Pierre Gasly on the RB12 this morning, is not as intrusive as when first unveiled, there remain doubts both from the aesthetic and practical point of view.

After running it on Friday during FP1, Sebastian Vettel expressed unease at the lack of visibility offered.

Meanwhile, Christian Horner has admitted that when it comes to a forthcoming vote, Red Bull would probably vote against feeling that more work needs to be done.

"Personally I'm not a big fan of the halo," he said. "I think it's an inelegant solution to the problem that it's trying to deal with.

"I'd prefer there to be more research time taken to do the job properly," he admitted, "rather than rushing something through that may have other consequences. So I'm not a big fan of the halo and the limitations that it has. I certainly wouldn't vote in favour at the moment."

Such a move would be enough to block the device's introduction next year as such a move requires the agreement of all the teams - a rarity in F1.

Whilst there is a 'safety clause' which would allow the FIA to overrule the teams, the most likely move would be to delay the Halo's introduction to 2018.

Of course, Red Bull has devised its own Aeroscreen, which was seen on Daniel Ricciardo's car in Sochi, and which, following a lukewarm response by the FIA, has been put on the back burner as the Austrian outfit claims it has better things to do with its resources.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by StephenA, 15/07/2016 17:14

"I preface my comments here by saying I first qualified at law, and presently work in risk management. Martin Brundle says he does not like the aero screen or the halo device, but that "the genie is out of the bottle now, and we'll end up with one or the other". Like Martin, I don't like either of the proposed devices. I fear F1 is rushing to implement a solution without really understanding the risks: the reduced vision per se (halo) and from rain/mist/oil/bugs (screen) vs those from loose/flying objects. I fear that if the justification to implement either solution is simply that F1 would/could be sued if it failed to implement "something", then we are heading blindly towards mainstream "Roborace" (the forthcoming driverless electric series) which inevitably reduces driver risks, or a ban on Motorsport completely which reduces driver risks to nil. Is this the trajectory any of us want? F1 has made progressive great strides in safety over the 1960/70/80/90 periods; and since. But motor sport, like skydiving, rugby and crossing the road, carry inherent risks. Please, let's pause to act here until we're sure the benefits outweigh the potential consequences."

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2. Posted by mickl, 14/07/2016 1:02

"Can't see why the FIA can't get Red Bull to develop the aeroscreen. That is much better aesthetically and should be better at preventing shrapnel hitting the driver at a vertical level, like the Massa accident, which the halo won't do. You could re-inforce the top of the aeroscreen with a titanium loop to prevent large object ingress like a wheel.

The main problem would be visibility in rain conditions with the screen misting up. "

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3. Posted by Tweek, 13/07/2016 19:40

"I'm gonna have to be the voice of dissent here. The teams should have no say about safety equipment. That power should rest solely with Charlie and his team. "

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4. Posted by TokyoAussie, 13/07/2016 3:47

"F1 qualifying debacle. Radio comms debacle. I can easily see the FIA mandating this. It fits the pattern."

Red Bull would vote against Halo introduction

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