The Best of 2015 - Mercedes cockpit protection concept

Earlier this year Justin Wilson’s fatal accident in IndyCar highlighted the ever-present need to improve cockpit protection in single-seater competition, and it’s an area that Formula One racing’s governing body, the FIA, continues to research. In the fourth instalment of our 10-part series highlighting our favourite features, interviews and videos from the past season, we look back to August and this fascinating analysis of the latest developments…

Previous tests on fighter plane-style cockpit canopies were problematic in that: a) debris impacting the canopy can rebound high into the air, presenting a safety risk to other cars and spectators, and b) accessing an injured driver in the event of an accident could prove highly difficult.

The FIA will now test some alternative solutions designed to improve protection from flying debris whilst also providing easy cockpit access. Among them is this concept, the result of a Mercedes study.

As the video shows, the halo-shaped hoop could stop certain types of debris from reaching the driver, whilst the hinged locking mechanism means it can quickly be removed for easy access. The proximity of the single, central strut to the driver is such that it should have minimal effect on visibility.