This Is What Red Bull’s F1 Cockpit Protection Device Could Look Like

Earlier this month the FIA’s ‘halo’ cockpit protection prototype debuted during winter testing, with Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel briefly trying it out in Spain. It certainly sparked quite a discussion, with the unusual looking device being the FIA’s preferred option to improve cockpit safety, which it is looking to introduce in 2017.

But Red Bull is said to be developing an alternative cockpit protector. Renowned technical F1 illustrator has produced these drawings for Motorsport.com of what the device, which team boss Christian Horner described as “more of a canopy – open topped - like a bigger windscreen” – could look like.

The acrylic canopy with an open top and two supports on either side, rather than the ‘halo’ design’s one middle support, is certainly a more elegant design but it still raises plenty of questions to do with safety and driver extraction.

Driver safety is a big topic following the tragic deaths of Jules Bianchi and Justin Wilson last year. The FIA intends to introduce a cockpit protector in 2017 but the ‘halo’ concept and prototype devices were met with mixed responses from drivers, as well as teams and fans.

Do you prefer this design or the ‘halo’? Let us know in the comments!