Formula One chiefs vote to postpone ‘halo’ head protection system introduction for 2017

Formula One chiefs have sparked controversy by postponing the introduction of the ‘halo’ head protection system.

After a meeting in Geneva involving chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, FIA president Jean Todt and the six leading teams, the required majority was not reached to introduce the halo next year.

It could still be brought in for 2018 or shelved for another design.

Before last-night’s verdict, four-time champion Sebastian Vettel claimed it would be “stupid” to vote against the cockpit head protection system becoming mandatory because “nothing justifies death”.

Speaking ahead of his home race in Germany this weekend, Vettel, a Grand Prix Drivers’ Association director, added: “We had a vote among the drivers and 95 per cent voted for it.

“We have always learned from what happened and tried to improve. This would be the first time in human history that we’ve learned a lesson and we don’t change.”

Defending champion Lewis Hamilton had opposed the halo, criticising the aesthetics of the design, but was won round following a safety briefing in Hungary last Friday night.

The FIA had been keen for the halo to become mandatory from next season following a spate of high-profile accidents in recent years.