Sebastian Vettel Debuts F1’s Proposed ‘Shield’-Style Cockpit Protection

The FIA’s latest cockpit protection concept is one step closer to being fully implemented.

Sebastian Vettel drove around Silverstone Circuit on Friday with the new “shield” protecting his Ferrari’s cockpit, according to Formula One. The trial, which was done during practice for Sunday’s British Grand Prix, marked the first time an F1 driver has tested the concept.

Ride along with Vettel and the “shield” in the video below:

While Friday’s trial is an important step, the cockpit protector still has a ways to go before it becomes standard.

Back in April, the FIA announced it was ditching the previous “halo” concept in favor of the “shield.” Since then, the organization has been collaborating with teams running a variety of tests to perfect the system.

Thumbnail photo via Jerome Miron/USA TODAY Sports Images