Drivers to wait for Halo

Formula One’s power brokers have voted against introducing the Halo for next season in a move that could spark a row with the sport’s drivers.

Sebastian Vettel, the four-time world champion, had earlier claimed it would be “stupid” to veto the cockpit head protection system from becoming mandatory.

The German also said aesthetic concerns should be overlooked because nothing “justifies death”, and other drivers were also supportive of bringing in the Halo.

But following a lengthy meeting in Geneva of Formula One’s strategy group – which consists of the sport’s top teams, chief executive Bernie Ecclestone and FIA president Jean Todt – the required majority verdict in favour was not reached.

The FIA, which is the sport’s governing body, had been keen for the Halo to be introduced from next season following a spate of high-profile accidents in recent years.

In a statement issued by the FIA, the world governing body announced that while the Halo remains its desired option, it will now not be seen in the sport until 2018.

The FIA did, however, add that a unanimous decision to introduce improved cockpit protection, also for 2018, had been reached.

Red Bull testing the Halo safety device.