Lewis Hamilton has been told that the introduction of increased driver-head protection in Formula One "does not mean you need a smaller size of balls to race" following his outspoken comments about Red Bull's canopy.
Hamilton likened the safety device, which was fitted to Daniel Ricciardo's car in opening practice at last week's Russian Grand Prix, to a "bloody riot shield".
The triple world champion, who also described the halo, a concept first devised by his Mercedes team and trialled by Ferrari at pre-season testing, as the "worst-looking modification" in the sport's history, said: "When I get in that car, I know that there is a danger. That's been the same since I started when I was eight.
"It's a risk that I am willing to take and that every single driver that's ever got in the car has been willing to take.
"You look at Formula One as a kid and think 'these guys, they're crazy, they could die at any moment'. Everyone comes to me who's just started watching Formula One and says 'oh it's so dangerous'.
"That's a large part of why they are so in awe of what you do, but take away all that and that person could do it, almost."
But in response to Hamilton's remarks, Alex Wurz, the president for the Grand Prix Drivers' Association said: "Just because someone puts a halo, or any sort of additional protection over your head, it doesn't mean you need a smaller size of balls to race, and a lesser-skilled driver will win the world championship.
"You are maybe just lucky that if someone else has a mistake, loses a tyre and it drops on your head, that you survive and you don't die. We do love the cars and the sport by their looks, but equally we do respect and appreciate the efforts of safety."
Hamilton is not alone in speaking out against improved driver-head protection. German Nico Hulkenberg has also been vocal in his opposition, while Bernie Ecclestone, the sport's 85-year-old chief executive, also gave his disapproval in Sochi.
But following a number of high-profile incidents in recent seasons, including the fatalities of Henry Surtees - the son of former world champion John Surtees - in a Formula Two race at Brands Hatch in 2009 and Britain's Justin Wilson at an IndyCar event last year, which were both caused by flying debris, motor racing's governing body the FIA is determined to introduce either the halo or canopy for 2017.
"We need it for sure," said Nico Rosberg, who alongside Jenson Button, four-time champion Sebastian Vettel and Ricciardo, is leading the call for change.
"It is the biggest danger zone that still exists in our sport as we have seen with fatalities as well.
"It is an area that we need to keep pushing in safety and it's great to see that things are progressing. I'm confident that a solution will be found.
Contradicting his Mercedes team-mate, Rosberg added: "All drivers are up for it. We are all well aware that it's not ideal for the purists, but we just need to accept that hopefully the haters will get over it."
Source: PA
