In the wake of two high-profile fatalities in open-wheel racing, Formula 1 drivers are taking a stand—and asking for driver head protection in 2017.

Grand Prix Drivers' Association chairman Alexander Wurz told the BBC today that F1 drivers have unanimously agreed on the "swift implementation" of head protection. "The research the FIA experts have done is very thorough and the process has brought forward a clear solution," Wurz said. "Now the drivers feel it's time to implement the extra protection at the latest in 2017."

At a meeting of F1's technical leaders on Friday, the topic of a protective cockpit "halo" will be discussed. "Obviously structural changes are required to the chassis but, with almost a one-year lead time, I don't see any technical person speaking against such substantial safety improvements, especially given the last big accidents in open-wheel racing involved head injuries," Wurz told the BBC. "So all the drivers, and I, hope that passing the additional head protection will be a formality." A potential design, penned by Mercedes, is shown above.

The discussion around cockpit protection comes in part as a response to two fatal crashes in recent seasons. In October of 2014, Formula 1 driver Jules Bianchi collided with a recovery vehicle during the Japanese Grand Prix, suffering a severe head injury that eventually led to his death in July of 2015. And just a month after Bianchi's death, IndyCar driver Justin Wilson was struck on the head by crash debris at Pocono Raceway, and passed away the next day.

Wurz tells the BBC that the drivers will also push for stickier tires in 2017. The current Pirellis, in use since 2011, have limited traction and tread life, necessitating frequent pit stops and compromising cornering speeds. "If we get sticky tires, we will have happy drivers, and happy drivers means authentic and honest performance, pure message for the product and driving the cars to the maximum," Wurz said. "That's what we want and, according to the fan survey we did last year, what all the fans expect."

As an unnamed senior insider told BBC Sport, "to a man, the drivers say: 'We are driving far below our own personal limits—and those of the cars—because of the tires. It's not fun and we don't like it.'"

"We have seen higher cornering speeds in F1 already, back in 2009, cars went more than 30mph faster around corners," Wurz said.

Between the proposed tire changes, canopy protection, and the possibility of louder engines, the 2017 F1 season could be faster, more exciting, and safer for drivers.

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