F1's Strategy Group to debate halo in meeting next week

Drivers were shown a powerpoint presentation on the pros and cons of the latest design in their Friday briefing at the Hungaroring.

It is the second time they've been given a presentation by FIA safety director Laurent Mekies with race director Charlie Whiting, following one in Austin last year when the initial design was formed.

It is understood the FIA believes the halo will significantly improve safety, having carried out analysis on the impact the device would have had in previous accidents.

The device is ready to be implemented in time for 2017, but it will first go to the Strategy Group.

When the drivers were informed of this, it is believed one driver questioned why that was necessary.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said at Silverstone he is not a "big fan" of the halo and he "certainly wouldn't vote in favour at the moment".

Should the halo be blocked at Strategy Group level, the FIA could choose to force it through on the grounds of safety as per the regulations.

After seeing the presentation, Toro Rosso's Carlos Sainz said: "It's very clear it saves lives, this is 100% sure.

"The voting will start soon. The FIA have done all they can with an item which works pretty well in many situations.

"After the slides they showed us today and the images, they are quite striking.

"You can see how it adds [to safety] and how many lives it could have saved.

"The drivers, even if we hate it and know it's not in the DNA of the sport, when you look at it, you say it makes some sense.

"I don't like it, but it's like when you're dad tells you you are wrong and you know he is right but you don't want to admit it!"