Reigning Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton says he would prefer not to use the halo protection system that is currently being tested.

Yesterday, Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen tested out the cockpit protection device, which is aimed at preventing debris from striking drivers.

But Mercedes' Hamilton has been critical of its introduction, which is due to take place in 2017.

"If it is going to come in I hope we have an option to use it or not because I will not be using it on my car. I hope that's not what they're bringing, I really do. Ultimately it's the driver's protection so we should have a choice individually," he said.

"I like it the way it is now and when I get in the car I know there is a certain risk. Safety is a very, very important issue for sure, but there are risks that we take and you have to decide how much of a risk you are going to take. For me I would rather drive without it and risk it."