Former F1 driver and Mercedes chairman Niki Lauda has said that the FIA made the wrong decision to introduce the Halo protection system for 2018.
It was announced on Wednesday that the much more popular Sheild that was showcased by Sebastian Vettel at the British GP would be scrapped and the Halo used instead.
There was an immediate backlash from all angles with 9 of the 10 teams against it and Martin Brundle calling it “Plain ugly”.
However, it pushed through anyway on safety grounds with the FIA eager to introduce something next year.
“There is 100 per cent a better solution than the Halo, we wouldn’t have tried three things otherwise,” Lauda told Auto Motor und Sport. “Therefore, it would be more sensible to go further in that direction and if we find something that does not destroy the looks, then it could be introduced in 2019.
“It’s as simple as that. There is no reason to rush something we will regret later.
“The Halo destroys the DNA of a Formula One car,” he added. “The FIA has made F1 as safe as possible.
“Also, the danger of flying wheels is largely ruled out, because the wheels are now more firmly attached [with wheel tethers]. The risk to the drivers is minimal.
“There is no doubt that you have to improve safety where you can. We tested the Halo, the Aeroscreen from Red Bull and Ferrari’s Shield. No one has been 100 per cent convinced yet and you have to make the right decision in such a situation. The Halo is the wrong one. “
