The “shield” divides the pilots

Earlier in the week, the Strategic Group and the Commission F1 announced at the end of a meeting in Paris that they wanted to move towards a frontal protection system for the pilot, based on a transparent shield, device installed at the top of the muzzle of the car, and which goes back to the cockpit (see via this link).

Actually burying the Halo, this shield does not seem to meet with the unanimity of the pilots, already divided with the previous solutions tested. "I don't mind the shield, I think it looks great." It's a nice step up from the Halo. This is my personal opinion on its appearance, commented Valtteri Bottas at a press conference.

I think the safety aspect is always important. It's always important to keep improving and developing things, security always needs to be improved. So I wouldn't mind trying the shield and seeing for visibility and if there are any other concerns. But I think in terms of security it could be a good step up from what we have now. »

Conversely, Romain Grosjean, as with the Halo, seems more reserved. “I haven't been a big fan of the Halo and I'm not a big fan of the shield either,” admits the pilot Haas F1 Team.

I don't want to stop safety, and I think safety in Formula 1 has to be a priority, but I don't want to change what I've always known in Formula 1, and the next step would be to put a canopy over- top of the helmet. I don't want to see F1 with closed cars. »

Daniil Kvyat, for his part, is completely opposed to any system. “I think we have enough protection. If there are good ideas, they should be considered, but to be honest, I'm rather against both options. »