HOCKENHEIM, Germany -- The Formula One Strategy Group has unanimously voted against introducing the Halo cockpit protection device next year.
After meeting in Geneva on Thursday, the decision-making body agreed it would be "prudent" to use the remainder of the season and the early part of next year to continue to develop the concept for 2018.
"The Strategy Group agreed unanimously that the 2018 season will see the introduction of frontal cockpit protection for F1 cars in order to significantly enhance the safety of drivers," read an FIA statement. "It was decided that owing to the relatively short timeframe until the commencement of the 2017 F1 season it would be prudent to use the remainder of this year and early next year to further evaluate the full potential of all options before final confirmation.
"This will include undertaking multiple on track tests of the Halo system in practice session during the rest of the season and during the first part of the 2017 season. While the Halo is currently the preferred option as it provides the broadest solution to date, the consensus among the Strategy Group was that another year of development could result in an even more complete solution.
"Halo remains a strong option for introduction in 2018."
The latest version of the Halo has only been track tested twice -- once by Sebastian Vettel in the Ferrari during first practice for the British Grand Prix and once by Pierre Gasly in the Red Bull at the following in-season tests. Tests were also conducted on Red Bull's Aeroscreen concept at the Russian Grand Prix, before the FIA decided to pursue the Halo idea alone in May and halt development of the Aeroscreen.
Halo appeared to be gathering support for a 2017 introduction at last weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix after the drivers were shown a presentation on the benefits of the device. Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel is among the most vocal drivers on Halo and, speaking ahead of the decision, said failing to implement the Halo would be "the first time in history that we [F1] have learned the lesson but we don't change."