F1 drivers “very split” on Shield cockpit protection

The Halo head protection device had been the subject of much debate during the 2016 season, amid expectations that it would be introduced in 2018.

However, recent meetings for the F1 Strategy Group and Commission in Paris established the newly-presented Shield system as the preferred cockpit protection option instead instead.

According to Palmer, the decision will have been a contentious one among the F1 grid, with a number of drivers backing either the Halo or the Shield – and some preferring no head protection at all.

“There's no group opinion of the drivers,” Palmer said. “Some people seem to think there is, but there's not. It's very split, some people want nothing, some people think the Shield is a good idea, some people still want the Halo.

“There's no real consensus from the drivers, even if some people seem to think there is.”

A vocal opponent of the Halo last year, Palmer said the Shield was “less offensive visually” but insisted he preferred the way things are at the moment.

“My views haven't changed, I think F1 is safe enough as it is," he said. "Honestly, I think drivers wouldn't be racing if they were worried for their own safety - everyone's still racing.

"Fernando [Alonso]'s going to race in the Indy 500, which is way more dangerous than this - so it shows where he's at with it... I think it's unnecessary.”

Halo v. Shield

The emergence of the 'Shield' concept as the preferred alternative does not appear to have led to a significant change of opinion among F1's cockpit protection sceptics, but those in favour of head protection did provide different outlooks on which option was better.

Marcus Ericsson and Felipe Massa were the two drivers to express a preference for the familiar Halo concept over the new Shield idea.

Sauber driver Ericsson said: “For me, I still believe the Halo is the best solution because I feel, when I tried it, I didn't really feel any downside to having it.

"As we all know, it gives by far the biggest protection for us drivers so I would still go for that one - but I know it's very mixed among the drivers and the people in Formula 1, what is the best way forward.

“I think we should go with the halo, because the halo is keeping it open-wheel. It’s not the prettiest thing, but give it a bit of time and I think it will look all right.”

Williams driver Massa, meanwhile, reiterated his stance that the Halo's safety advantages were more important than the Shield's improved aesthetics.

“If you ask me what I prefer - the Shield looks nicer, it looks beautiful but it's a bit worse for the safety." said the Brazilian. "And for me the most important thing is the safety.”

On the other side, Mercedes newcomer Valtteri Bottas dubbed the Shield “a good step” over the Halo, with teammate Lewis Hamilton agreeing it was “an improvement” and that it "looks better than the other options that have come so far.”

However, many stressed that the concept still required further development – and that its efficiency would be difficult to judge until track testing, which is planned for later in the season.

Additional reporting by Jonathan Noble