Kevin Magnussen has slammed the decision to introduce the ‘halo’ cockpit protection device for the 2018 season, complaining that cars will lose their aesthetic appeal.
The FIA’s controversial announcement dominated the discussion as the drivers faced the press on Thursday ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Whilst the sport’s governing body has stressed the safety benefits of the device, fans have branded it ‘ugly’, questioned the need for it and expressed fears the move could backfire.
Concerned that the very DNA of Formula 1 is at stake, Haas driver Magnussen has joined the attack.
“It takes away some of the passion that F1 is talking about,” the Dane said. “When you look at the car and it is ugly, F1 cars aren’t meant to be ugly.
“That is the reason that a Ferrari is more exciting than a Mazda. It is something to do with passion. If it looks s**t, it is s**t.”
Max Verstappen, meanwhile, feels recent safety advancements have mitigated the need for cockpit protection and pointed out that drivers are at skill risk of being struck by small debris.
“I don’t like it, but of course at the end of the day you have to respect the decision of the FIA,” he said.
“I think since we introduced a Virtual Safety Car, that has reduced a lot of risk of speeding under the yellow flags in the race.
“Also, with the wheel tethers they are quite strong at the moment so you won’t lose a wheel very easily, and when there are parts flying around the car it isn’t really going to protect you. So I don’t really understand why we should need it.”
