Red Bull have confirmed they will be testing their own new cockpit protection system during practice at this weekend’s Russian Grand Prix.
Dubbed the ‘canopy cockpit protection system’ the device is an alternative to Ferrari’s controversial ‘halo device’ tested by the Italian team at the start of the season.
Ferrari’s device was met with scepticism from fans and drivers due to its overbearing design, with current world champion Lewis Hamilton using his Instagram account to declare the device ‘the worst looking mod in Formula 1 history.’
Red Bull hopes that by excluding a central pillar found on the Ferrari device, its alternative will be better received as the FIA and teams look to improve driver safety in the future.
Despite controversy over design, FIA race director Charlie Whiting confirmed any decision made in the future would be based entirely on safety and not aesthetics unless the devices perform equally.
“Personally, I would say the canopy is more aesthetically pleasing solution,” said Whiting. “But it’s only a matter of taste.
“However, if both solutions perform equally well in testing I would be surprised if there’s an overwhelming desire to keep the Halo.”
