Formula One: Sebastian Vettel Tests Shield Cockpit Protection Device

The new cockpit protection system for Formula One cars, the Shield made its first run at the Silverstone circuit. The device was fitted on Sebastian Vettel's Ferrari.

Vettel tested the shield device on the practice session of the British Grand Prix. But the testing was limited to a lap as Vettel was not comfortable with the device.

Vettel completed a single lap with the cockpit protection device and returned to the garage. Later he revealed that he had planned to do a long run with the shield, but he decided to remove it after the initial testing.

Vettel stated that with the shield device fitted, he got a bit dizzy. He also complained that the forward vision was also hampered because of the shield.

Vettel also had the distortion issue because of the curvature of the shield. He said that in the straights, the wind blast was behind his helmet which pushed his head forward.

When asked about whether the shield affects in getting in and out of the car, Vettel said that it does impact. He stated that it would take some time to get used to it.

The shield has been proposed as a visually appealing option as opposed to the halo system. Italian firm Isoclima developed the shield protective device. FIA plans to introduce the shield in the 2018 season.

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The shield cosmetically looks better than the halo system. But the initial experience with the shield device has not been promising. Vettel complained about visibility and aerodynamic effect with the shield device fitted to his car. But the new device is still under development, and it might be improved with the initial inputs from Vettel.

Source: Autosport