Lewis Hamilton strongly criticises F1 cockpit protection system
Lewis Hamilton has described the halo cockpit protection solution as one of the worst changes in Formula 1 history.
The FIA is determined to introduce some form of cockpit protection from 2017, and in recent months it has investigated three different systems.
The one poised to be voted through is the 'halo', trialled by Ferrari on Thursday of the second F1 pre-season test at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya.
Posting on his Instagram account, alongside a picture of Kimi Raikkonen's Ferrari sporting the 'halo', Hamilton said: "Please no!
"This is the worst looking mod[ification] in Formula 1 history.
"I appreciate the quest for safety but this is Formula 1, and the way it is now is perfectly fine."
Raikkonen ran with the prototype device on the SF16-H for an installation lap, primarily to ascertain the impact on visibility.
Raikkonen declared there to be "surprisingly little difference", and further suggested there was scope for the system to be refined.
Following the test session, reigning world champion Hamilton was asked for his views on the halo, but he declined to comment.
At the time, Hamilton said: "I saw a picture of it and I just...[putting his head in a hand]. That's my feeling. I'm not going to give you a soundbite."
The device has caused considerable debate in the paddock, with Force India's Nico Hulkenberg siding with Hamilton, while the latter's team-mate Nico Rosberg has made clear he is in favour.
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