Nico Hulkenberg among opponents of "horrible" F1 cockpit halo

The FIA has conducted considerable research into and tests of possible concepts, with the halo emerging as the best of the reviewed designs.

On Thursday Kimi Raikkonen became the first driver to try the system when he completed an installation lap with a version produced by Ferrari to test visibility.

When asked what he thought of the design, Hulkenberg said: "Don't do it.

"It sends the wrong message. F1 is very safe at the moment.

"It looks horrible, I don't like it and it's just one of these little personal things that I wouldn't like to see it."

Hulkenberg added that he believes an element of danger makes F1 more attractive and he accepts the risks that come with competing in the series.

"You can't sterilise the sport. There needs to be an element of danger - I think in a way that's sexy and attractive and it's also what Formula 1 needs.

"Safety standards in F1 are pretty high and very good, I'd be happy to accept those risks and keep running as we are.

"Personally I don't like how it looks and for me it feels like trying to eliminate every little bit of risk."

Williams driver Felipe Massa said the design is "not so nice" but agrees with the concept for safety reasons.

"Safety is the most important thing and I totally agree with the halo or the closed cockpits or whatever - I agree with this change.

"But it does't look very nice. We'll see how it's going to be. If it's good for the safety, it's fine."

World champion Lewis Hamilton said he had seen the pictures of Raikkonen's car, but he declined to comment on the design saying: "I'm not going to give you a soundbite!"

The FIA anticipates if the halo is accepted and adopted from 2017 it will be made of a lightweight material that will add around five kilograms to the weight of the car.