11:17 – FIA President Jean Todt says he has been “very surprised” by the negativity which has greeted the ‘halo’ since its introduction for 2018 was announced.
Formula 1’s governing body has pushed for extra head protection in recent years, following several incidents and near-misses, and tested the halo extensively in 2016, only for its introduction to be delayed.
Other options were explored before it was outlined in July that the halo had been deemed the most suitable device, and would be mandatory on cars next year.
Several current drivers and key figures criticised the decision, given the aesthetics of the halo, while there was also a backlash from fans.