Kevin Magnussen: 'Formula 1 right to trade sexy for safety'

Kevin Magnussen of Renault in the paddock during previews ahead of the Formula One Grand Prix of Russia at Sochi Autodrom on April 28, 2016
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F1 must defer to "safety" over "sexy" when it comes to preventing more deaths, according to Kevin Magnussen.

Formula 1 must defer to "safety" over "sexy" when it comes to preventing more deaths, according to Kevin Magnussen.

It emerged after a meeting in Monaco last week that the sport has now decided to push ahead with introducing the controversial 'halo' concept for cockpit protection in 2017.

It is believed the 2017 version will be made of titanium and more elegant than the 'halo' tested by Ferrari earlier this season, but many preferred Red Bull's alternative 'aeroscreen' concept.

"It's hard to judge without having tried them," Renault driver Magnussen told Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet.

"The screen looks nicer than the halo, but fortunately it's not up to me to make these decisions."

As for claims that the cockpit coverings are too ugly for a sport that should be attractive and glamorous, Magnussen answered: "Formula 1 should be sexy, but we also need to do everything we can for safety.

"I don't really want it, but I also don't want myself or anyone else to die. So if it helps with safety then you have to introduce it."

The 2016 continues next weekend with the Canadian Grand Prix.

A general view of the circuit before the Formula One Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo di Monza on September 6, 2015
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