VIDEO: DETAILED LOOK AT F1'S SHIELD CONCEPT AT THE BRITISH GP TEST!
This past weekend saw the first testing of the 'cockpit shield' for Formula 1 drivers. It didn't go well.
Sebastien Vettel, who cut short the test run after just one lap during the first practice session on Friday, said, "I got a bit dizzy," which isn't ideal when at the helm of a 300km/h race car.
He added, "Forward vision is not very good. I think it's because of the curvature, you get quite a bit of distortion, plus you get quite a bit of downwash down the straights pushing the helmet forwards. We had a run planned with it, but I didn't like it so we took it off."
"I didn't like it, especially looking forwards. Climbing in and out of the car is also more difficult, although it's probably more about getting used to it", he said.
So, back to the drawing board, it seems. The shield is the third concept in the FIA's bid to find an appropriate form of cockpit protection for drivers. The shield follows on from Red Bull's Aeroscreen and is widely expected to be adopted in 2018 unless the shield can be developed first.
The shield is a clear screen that stretches from the nose of the cars and stops just prior to the cockpit. The concept is being developed by Italian company Isoclima and looks pretty bad ass. Many hardcore fans are upset that the F1 is taking such measures to protect drivers but if the finished product looks anything like the concept in the video, we won't be upset at all.
Have a look at the video to see the detailed look of the Formula 1 Shield Concept!