2017 British GP: Sebastian Vettel reaction and impressions after FP1 and FP2

Scuderia Ferrari German driver Sebastian Vettel had the opportunity to test the Shield, but was unimpressed with several aspects of the head protection which he tested today at Silverstone, ahead of the 2017 British Grand Prix. The current Formula One championship leader became the first driver to run with the new device which is intended to improve safety:

“I tried it this morning, I got a bit dizzy. Forward vision is not very good.. I think it’s because of the curvature, you get quite a bit of distortion. Plus you get quite a bit of downwash down the straight pushing the helmet forward. We had a run plan with it but I didn’t like it so we took it off.” – Sebastian Vettel explained, as reported by the Italian media at the end of FP2 on Friday.

However, Sebastian thinks that the shield shouldn’t make it too difficult for drivers to get out of a car quickly after a crash: “For sure it doesn’t help. Getting in doesn’t matter. I think getting out it’s more about getting used to it, it’s not the main thing. It’s probably more about getting used to it.” – the German driver added.

The FIA plans to conduct further tests of shield at the Italian Grand Prix in September in order to evaluate whether it could be introduced to Formula One in 2018. However several drivers have already raised questions over whether the additional layer of protected is needed. Last year all the teams tested the Halo design before it was dropped by the FIA in favour of the shield. The FIA has said it will introduce some new form of head protection next year.

Sebastian Vettel was also asked to comment on the close battle with Mercedes this weekend after the Maranello team was apparently outpaced by their rivals during the first two practice sessions which took place today at the Silverstone Circuit: “It should [the engine upgrade help Ferrari]. It’s always been the plan so it’s on target. Today was a bit mixed for us, a bit up and down, but it’s fun to drive around here. We’ll see what happens tomorrow, the weather conditions are also unpredictable.” – Sebastian concluded.