Hamilton open to closed cockpits in F1

ABOVE: The Red Bull X1 – Adrian Newey's version of what

an regulated formula might look like – included a cockpit canopy.

Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton is open to the idea of closed cockpits following the accident that cost Jules Bianchi his life.

With Bianchi losing his nine-month battle for survival last Friday in the wake of his crash in last October's Japanese Grand Prix, potential future safety ideas are again back on the agenda.

It is understood even if a closed cockpit had been on Bianchi's Marussia when he ran into a recovery vehicle at the Suzuka circuit, the impact would have still caused similar injuries. Hamilton, though, feels F1 may yet head down such a route in the future.

"I saw some pictures [of a closed-cockpit design] – it must be a month ago maybe, I can't remember, it might have been a McLaren – which I think looked pretty cool I have to say," said Hamilton. "Whether or not it would work, I don't know, but definitely as we are always talking about improving safety I'd imagine that at some stage it may be a change Formula 1 would do."

The Mercedes driver said he was open to any changes that could help safety as long as F1 remained enjoyable.

"I'm never against any changes as long as they are positive for safety, but also for racing, and that it doesn't take away the enjoyment factor of racing," Hamilton said. "If it becomes couch driving, when you are sitting on the sofa, then it's not going to be fun."

Originally on Autosport.com