It's Official: 'Closed Cockpits' In Formula 1 Are Happening

A meeting of the F1 Commission has resulted in the approval of several new regulations for the 2017 season, including the introduction of head protection
It's Official: 'Closed Cockpits' In Formula 1 Are Happening

On Tuesday it was reported that a new elimination-style qualifying format had been approved for 2016 following meetings of the Strategy Group and F1 Commission. Now we have confirmation of that, as well as several other potential big changes for next year.

Image source: McLaren
Image source: McLaren

Cockpit safety has been a hot topic in single-seater racing for some time, but pressure to bring in more driver protection unsurprisingly increased following the tragic deaths of Jules Bianchi – nine months after his horrific Japanese Grand Prix crash in October 2014 – and IndyCar’s Justin Wilson in 2015.

Motorsport’s governing body, the FIA, and F1 teams have invested heavily in researching and analysing different options for cockpit safety, in a bid to provide drivers with improved safety while preventing side-effects like compromised vision and difficulty in driver extraction.

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Various different designs have appeared in recent months, from halo-style concepts to jet canopies. The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association has also completed research and stated at the beginning of the year that it was time something to shield the cockpit was introduced.

The FIA’s statement on the results of the F1 Commission meeting in Geneva says it “intends” to introduce some form of cockpit protection in 2017, with the halo being the “preferred choice”, but other options will continue to be looked into.

Image source: Andries van Overbeeke
Image source: Andries van Overbeeke

The unusual elimination-style qualifying format has now been confirmed and could “potentially” debut as early as this season. Meanwhile a “Driver of the Day” award will be handed out at each race, voted by the fans. The deadline for the 2017 regulations has been deferred to the 30 April.

Meanwhile bodywork changes have been proposed, with wider front wings, lower and wider rear wings, wider floors and tyres, in a bid to increase top speeds and cut lap times. But all of these rules still have to be ratified by the FIA World Motor Sport Council before becoming a reality.

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Comments

Mr.Roberts

Somewhere in the distance i can hear the Red Bull maniacs doing the final checks on this madness for the 2017 season

02/24/2016 - 15:57 |
164 | 0

Bernie plz

02/24/2016 - 15:58 |
10 | 0
🎺🎺thank mr skeltal

In reply to by Mr.Roberts

Wait, this one actually existed? I always thought it was a fake invented by the Gran Turismo dev team.

02/24/2016 - 16:35 |
0 | 0
Ethan Lim (VW Enthusiast)

In reply to by Mr.Roberts

X2010? X13? Wow If this was a thing , it would be the fastest F1 car irl.

02/25/2016 - 02:36 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

Bernie was definitely right. F1 is at its worst

02/24/2016 - 15:58 |
32 | 2
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

I’m not feeling the Bern. Oh wait, wrong Bernie, sorry

02/25/2016 - 08:20 |
6 | 0
Anonymous

Seriously what is happening to F1. I want V10’s or V12’s screaming down the track only limited to the imagination of the constructors.

02/24/2016 - 16:06 |
2 | 2
Anonymous

That first render is sooooooo stupid lol

02/24/2016 - 16:07 |
2 | 0
Kaspars

This is terrible, im not watching it anymore in 2017, looks ridicious.

02/24/2016 - 16:11 |
4 | 4

You said exactly what I was going to say. The sad part is how much I like F1 and the closed cockpits are going to kill it for me.

02/24/2016 - 16:20 |
2 | 2
Danno

I’m really for this. Honestly I hoping the canopies will make the 2017 cars look awesome. The cars will be quicker too…

02/24/2016 - 16:36 |
12 | 0
Duke RocketBunny Nuggets

You are wondering why we’re not getting news of Schumacher ? He’s jsut too depressed of what f1 became x)

02/24/2016 - 16:38 |
0 | 4

Even though I feel like your comment is slightly inappropriate, its still one of the best jokes ive heard about closed cockpits except for the formula sandal joke.

02/24/2016 - 16:57 |
0 | 4
Anonymous

Nooooo

02/24/2016 - 16:46 |
0 | 4
Da Prc

Rip

02/24/2016 - 16:53 |
0 | 4
Anonymous

Cuz of maldonado right

02/24/2016 - 17:12 |
0 | 0