Le Mans winner Nico Hulkenberg against closed cockpits in F1

Force India driver Nico Hulkenberg is against the idea of introducing protected cockpits into Formula 1 as he does not believe the series should be become too 'sterilised'

The death of Justin Wilson after being struck by debris from another car during the Pocono IndyCar race has again brought the topic of open cockpits into question.

Hulkenberg has recent experience racing with a closed cockpit, when he triumphed in the Le Mans 24 Hours with Porsche earlier this year.

Tradition is no argument against canopies

When asked if they should appear in Formula 1, Hulkenberg said: "In my opinion, no.

"There are pros and cons, but I see single seater racing as open cockpits.

"When we sign up we know there is still some risk involved and there could potentially be some danger but that is in the DNA of racing in motorsport.

"We shouldn't sterilise the whole thing, make everything too clinical and overprotect the whole thing.

"That's also not good for the sport and might make things a bit more unattractive."

The FIA plans to conduct further testing on two designs towards the end of the month, with the governing body technical director Charlie Whiting convinced protected cockpits will be introduced at some stage.

The first design the FIA will test is from Mercedes, which is a hoop above the drivers head and forward of it, but with one central stay.

The second is another device consisting of blades of varying heights at angles, which are hoped will make them nearly invisible to the driver.