Hockenheim, Germany (dpa) – Sebastian Vettel believes Formula One would be «stupid» to reject the introduction of the halo head protection system for next season.
F1 powerbrokers met on Thursday to discuss the 2017 implementation of the «halo», a contraption that fits over the cockpit to deflect objects that might be heading for the driver’s helmet.
Some have complained the halo, which has been tested in practice this season, looks ugly and blocks a driver’s vision. F1 commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone told Britain’s Daily Telegraph: «We don’t need it because it won’t do any good.»
Ecclestone also said the majority of drivers did not want the innovation but four-times champion Vettel begged to differ at the press conference ahead of this weekend’s German Grand Prix.
«We had a vote among the drivers and 95 per cent voted for it,» the German said. «I don’t think there’s anything really that justifies death.»
Marussia driver Jules Bianchi died last year, nine months after sustaining severe head injuries when he hit a recovery truck at the Japanese Grand Prix.
Test driver Maria de Villota died in 2013, 15 months after a crash while Felipe Massa suffered a fractured skull after being hit by a metal coil from another car in 2009.
Supporters say the halo would have helped in all these incidents.
Only Nico Huelkenberg among the drivers remains openly against the idea.
If an agreement is not reached on its 2017 introduction, the governing FIA may force through its implementation.
Germany’s Vettel also spoke about his compatriots seemingly falling out of love with F1.
Last year’s German race never happened because of financial problems at the famous Nuerburgring, which had been alternating with Hockenheim as host track.
Hockenheim was not able to step into the breach in 2015 and attendances this weekend are expected to be around 60,000, half the numbers seen at the British Grand Prix earlier this month and way down compared to when Michael Schumacher was racing.
Despite having won four titles himself and German carmaker Mercedes again running away with the championship, Vettel acknowledged that seven-times champion Schumacher had whipped German fans into a frenzy in the 1990s and 2000s.
«He was the first German F1 world champion. He was our first local hero,» Vettel said.
«That really triggered the hype that has ensured that the stands were full.»
