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F1 German Grand Prix: Button puts faith in teams over ‘Halo’ decision

Jenson Button is confident the FIA and F1 teams will conclude the 'Halo' cockpit protection device should be introduced on the grounds of safety as the controversial concept goes up for vote at the Strategy Group meeting today.

Ahead of the German Grand Prix, team bosses will meet at Hockenheim to discuss and vote on whether the FIA should pursue development of the divisive concept for a potential 2017 introduction. Though the FIA can still force the device through on the grounds of safety in the event of a 'no' vote, it will be the first definitive indication of the consensus amongst teams.

As it stands, the Halo still divides opinion amongst many drivers, but while one reportedly queried why they don't have say in the decision-making process during a presentation in Hungary, McLaren's Button says he has faith the safety argument will prevail without their input.

"I think the decision has to be taken on safety grounds and it is not for us to decide whether we have it or not. It should be decided by the sport as a whole. If the FIA thinks it is a safety issue to not have it, we should have it on the car, and if they don't think it is an issue us not having it, we shouldn't have it.

"It shouldn't even be a question for teams, I think, it is a safety issue, so they [the FIA] decide. That is the way I think it should be."

Button is joined by the likes of Daniel Ricciardo, Nico Rosberg and Sebastian Vettel in expressing support for the device, though Lewis Hamilton, Nico Hulkenberg, Jolyon Palmer, Pierre Gasly - who tested it on the Red Bull at the Silverstone test - and Christian Horner have signalled their dislike. 

Zdroj: crash.net