22/07/2016
NEWS STORY
The Strategy Group is to discuss the controversial Halo device when it meets in Geneva next week.
The group will discuss the viability of the device before voting on whether its introduction in 2017 should proceed to the next stage, discussion by the F1 Commission. In both cases, total unanimity would be needed.
Though it is known some teams have reservations, the FIA could still force its introduction on safety grounds.
Prior to the Strategy Group's meeting drivers were given a presentation of the latest incarnation of the device which included images from previous accidents, including F1, GP2 and GP3, in which it was demonstrated how the Halo would have functioned. It is understood some of the images and details given were graphic.
The presentation, which was given by Charlie Whiting and safety director Laurent Mekies, included video of Red Bull's alternative to the Halo, the Aeroscreen, and an explanation as to why the FIA feels the former is the favoured solution.
"I think after the slide they showed us today and the images, they are quite shocking," said Carlos Sainz, according to Motorsport.com. "You can see what it does and how many lives it could have saved.
"The drivers, even if we hate it and we know it's not the DNA of our sport, when you look at it it actually makes sense," he added. "I don't like it, but it's something that even if you don't like it, it's like when your dad tells you, you are wrong. You know he's right, but you don't want to admit it.
"I think it's very clear it saves lives, I'm 100 percent sure," said the Spaniard. "Aesthetically no one likes it, so we need to balance how much is worth it to save a life per five or 10 years against how bad the repercussion against Formula 1 is.
"I think the voting will start soon and everybody will put their hands up in favour or against, but the FIA will do all they can to provide with an item that actually works pretty well in many situations."
"The arguments they gave us regarding safety were strong," added his Toro Rosso teammate, Daniil Kvyat. "They gave us cases of when the wheel comes off, when you do this or do that. Obviously if you really want we can make F1 completely sterile and completely safe, but the question mark is where we need to stop.
"I don't know if it is already a step too far or we have just reached the borderline with the Halo," he added. "I might be playing with the devil and I have said many times that when I come to the race track, I know that it might be my last day in the office.
"It looks like now, it is a bit fading away. I am not trying to be a hero or anything but in the end we are also racing for other people and in the end F1 is a show. But that is why it is so popular."
It's understood that one unidentified driver wanted to know why it is the teams that will vote on the device, when it is the drivers whose lives are on the line.