F1 is considering the possibility of developing jet fighter-style closed cockpits in an attempt to improve safety.
FIA publishes research into practicality of offering drivers further protection
Formula One is considering the possibility of developing jet fighter-style closed cockpits on cars in an attempt to improve safety.
While the idea is not a new one, it has gathered momentum recently after the FIA published research into the feasibility and practicality of the concept.
It is still a long way from the implementation stage, particularly as it raises many questions, not least is whether F1 would become another version of sportscar racing.
Renault's technical director James Allison said: "It is something that has been under discussion for a few Technical Working Group meetings now.
"We're looking to try to look after the drivers' heads, both from large scale-objects, such as tyres, and also small scale things, like that in the very unfortunate incident Felipe Massa suffered.
Suggestions
"There are a few suggestions around, the first of which is a fully-enclosed canopy. Another is a visor where it [the cockpit] is still open above the driver's head, and a third is where you have a roll structure in front of the driver to deflect away any big objects.
"All those things are still in fairly early discussions, and there are a lot of questions to answer before we can bring it to a practical solution.
"The closed canopy would have an aerodynamic effect - not a bad one because it would be easier to manage the airflow around a closed cockpit rather than an open one - but there are other things to discuss like the egress in the event of an accident, as well as keeping the canopy clean.
"So each of the proposed solutions has advantages and disadvantages and we need to do the basic research to find out what is the best way forwards."
Massa suffered serious head injuries during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix two years ago when a component from another car came loose and hit his crash helmet.
Mercedes vice-president of motorsport Norbert Haug believes if such an idea is brought to reality then "it needs to be applied to all formulae".
"It is an idea we need to carefully think through," he added.
