First F1 'Shield' Concept Images Revealed

Paul Jeffrey · Jul 8, 2017

The FIA has revealed a first image of the newly proposed 'Shield' cockpit protection, due to make its track debut at Silverstone next week.

Designed to be more visually appealing that the previous Halo concept already tested on track last year, the new, longer, shield will be tested during opening practice of the British Grand Prix by Ferrari next weekend.

Constructed from polycarbonate and designed to help protect a drivers head in the event of loose debris on track, the new 'Shield' has been designed in direct response to criticism from fans and drivers about the aesthetical appeal of previously revealed designs.

The concept design has been developed by Italian company Isoclima, and it is thought that several alternative options are under consideration as the FIA continue to push for mandatory cockpit protection from the 2018 season.

More to follow...

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Do you like the new design? Do you think head protection is needed in Formula One? Let us know in the comments section below!

CC · Jul 8, 2017

Looks wicked

Will Mazeo · Jul 8, 2017

Better than all the other designs that were shown. Tho whenever I hear about 4 wheel drivers afraid of (kinda) rare situations due to their head exposed I just remember these guys

To each their own tho, I guess if I was in these cars I'd also support the idea

Patrick van der Meulen · Jul 8, 2017

This looks like a Frankenstein baby of a F1 car which got inpregnated by an open LMP class car.

BenCollins · Jul 8, 2017

Will Mazeo said:
Better than all the other designs that were shown. Tho whenever I hear about 4 wheel drivers afraid of (kinda) rare situations due to their head exposed .....

It's nothing to do with being "afraid". It's about removing needless deaths from motorsport. Isle of Man riders often die crashing into the side of a pub wall. Not the most heroic way to die.

Crekkan · Jul 8, 2017

It DOES look better than the Halo and early concepts of this kind of protection, but I feel like it neuters the feel of F1. Just doesn't feel necessary and the entire program an over-exaggeration.

Still, if this comes into affect, would be interesting to see how the teams adapt the cars to a new slab of stuff on the front of the car.

Boby Kim · Jul 8, 2017

Mmm...but what if a plane falls onto a F1 car?

Mark Ratzenbacher · Jul 8, 2017

It´s got to have tear-off foils on it like a helmet ? or wipers,

But seriously this will work ?

BenCollins · Jul 8, 2017

Mark Ratzenbacher said:
It´s got to have tear-off foils on it like a helmet ? or wipers, But seriously this will work ?

Either encase the driver or don't, this seems sort of a token effort.

samcar304 · Jul 8, 2017

I Still think the issue of a piece of debris falling at a sharp angle is not getting recognised... Wilson died because the nose cone that hit him was dropping out of the air at a steep descent angle. All these designs Halo, Aeroscreen, and the shield neglect the problem from above. They only seem to address the problem from in front. And to address that issue we would have to go close cockpit... Trying to find a solution halfway is futile...

I don't want to watch another race and know I have just witnessed someone lose their life... Its happened with Wilson...

Will Mazeo · Jul 8, 2017

Boby Kim said:
Mmm...but what if a plane falls onto a F1 car?

Or just a crash like Justin Wilson

BenCollins said:
It's nothing to do with being "afraid". It's about removing needless deaths from motorsport. Isle of Man riders often die crashing into the side of a pub wall. Not the most heroic way to die.

The part you kept out:

Will Mazeo said:
To each their own tho, I guess if I was in these cars I'd also support the idea

GTSpeedster · Jul 8, 2017

removed by user

FeltHat · Jul 8, 2017

uhhh just add reactive armour to helmets

TheMrSuperShotJay · Jul 8, 2017

Looks awful as usual, I think its just a poor idea, its to angled to have wipers and imagine racing in the rain with a full windshield and no wipers let alone when it gets dirty. F1 cars should stay open cockpit, if it was really too dangerous MotoGP would be banned haha

CC · Jul 8, 2017

Something like this yeah

BenCollins · Jul 8, 2017

GTSpeedster said:
Years since I quit watching F1. They can "race" with an entire Roman Legion protecting each car for all I care.

What a pointless comment.

Deleted member 6919 · Jul 8, 2017

Wow the drivers are going to have to have long arms for the tear-offs..

CC · Jul 8, 2017

JPL083 · Jul 8, 2017

Next put fender's on it and vóila, you have Lmp-car, exept you can throw beer-can's in it. Difference is that at least Lmp's sound better and they go flatout even if it is 24h. Why not same time ditch the whole open wheeler's? They are ruined anyway's. Way to go... Damn wrap everything in foam-era. Tiny scratch on a finger and.... Bbbyyyyäääääähhhhhh, moommmyyyyy!!!!!