Ricciardo hopes Aeroscreen project can be saved

Ahead of the public debut this weekend of Halo 2, the refined version of the Ferrari idea that was revealed in pre-season testing, the future of the Red Bull's Aeroscreen idea has been put in to doubt.

Although the canopy idea got much support for its looks when it was trialled in practice at the Russian Grand Prix, Red Bull revealed recently that it has suspended work on it for now.

Having already spent 250,000 Euro on its development, it did not want to continue investing in the project at a time when resources are stretched because of 2017 car work, and there was no guarantee the project would come to fruition.

When asked by Motorsport.com if he would be unhappy if the Aeroscreen idea fell through because of cost reasons, Ricciardo said: “I think in a way yes. It is one of those ones that I think the cars will look better without anything, but [choosing head protection] it is not one for looks.

“If it is purely for safety then it shouldn’t be [a decision] on cost grounds either. It should have its own category! So let's see.

"It still needs to be addressed and attended to. I would be disappointed if they just shut it down completely, I don't think that will be the best thing to do.”

Waiting for FIA

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said that his outfit was waiting for a response from the FIA about what the future was for the Aeroscreen.

One of the key issues is understood to be the need for a big change to the design to move the hoop around the top of the canopy further away from the driver – so there is no risk of a helmet hitting it in the event of a crash.

However, relocating the hoop area has implications in terms of both the screen width and the supporting pillars.

“I think we’re waiting for some direction back from the FIA," said Horner. "At the moment they’ve been very quiet, so I think first of all let’s hear what they've got to say and then we can act accordingly.”

When asked why there had been no response from the FIA recently, he said: “I guess they've got a lot on at the moment, but the ball is very much in their court. It’s probably not something that they’re used to doing, to be honest with you.”