F1 drivers have been shown a new cockpit protection safety concept called 'the shield' which could serve as an alternative to the 'Halo' device in 2018.
The FIA revealed the new safety concept at the drivers' briefing on Friday evening in Shanghai.
The device is another approach to cockpit safety but has yet to be tested extensively. It apparently features a screen which extends much more forward than the aeroscreen developed and tested last year by Red Bull.
Initial comments indicate that the 'shield' looks aesthetically much better than the halo or aeroscreen but does not offer the same amount of protection.
The FIA presented the concept to drivers in order to gauge reactions and eventually garner support.
"I don't know," said Haas" Kevin Magnussen.
"My opinion is I wouldn't mind not having anything. I am happy as it is now. I think visibility [with the shield] is going to be a big issue at least in the wet.
"In Brazil last year we couldn't see anything without any protection so with the screen I am sure there is going to be no visibility in a situation like that.
"Maybe in the dry it could be OK, but with mist on the screen it could be tricky. Let's see what they come up with."
Haas team mate Romain Grosjean underlined the contrasting opinions among the drivers on the subject of cockpit protection.
"There are two very different opinions [among drivers] - some want to get the halo up as soon as possible some don't want anything," noted Grosjean.
"My feedback is I am against the shield, aeroscreen or halo.
"F1 is back to where it should be right now, back to really cool and aggressive cars and I don't want to put anything that could destroy what we have just built."
The FIA is still sticking to a 2018 introduction deadline for some sort of cockpit protection. Should no agreement emerge on which approach to follow, the governing body could force the mandatory adoption of a device on the grounds of safety.
GALLERY: All the pictures from Friday in Shanghai
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