As the criticism over Halo continues, Jean Todt says he’s surprised by it all given that the drivers asked the FIA for head protection.

This season Formula 1 will race Halo after the FIA declared it compulsory.

Many of the drivers aren’t happy, saying that it is ugly and goes against the DNA of Formula 1.

Todt, however, says they were the ones that wanted it.

“It is short memories… I was trying to remember how it came [about] and it was a completely legitimate request from the drivers,” said the FIA president.

“16 December 2015, I got a letter that was signed by [GPDA directors] Jenson Button, Sebastian Vettel and Alex Wurz, urging us to decide for head protection for the drivers.