FIA divulges 'shield' cockpit protection device to drivers

40

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."

'Halo' gets two thumbs down from drivers for 2018

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

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.