Mercedes offers F1 alternate solution to closed cockpits

[lkjohnson1950]

Before any other solution is rushed into being, I want to know exactly what hit him and if it could be removed or more securely fastened. The best way to stop drivers from being struck by flying debris is to eliminate the flying debris. I think the reason we get more upset by head injuries is because we have done a really good job of protecting drivers from other injuries. We need to go slow and be sure a fix is necessary and if so, that it is well designed and tested before being implemented.

[Steve A.]

It was the nose cone of the car that hit him, both sports are looking at how the nose is secured and looking to improve that.

[Alianora La Canta]

That, to me, offers the worst of all options: substantially restricting escape and not lending that much protection from flying foreign objects.

If it's anchored with the shoulder/head rest it should come out quite easily in an emergency.

You'd have to completely redesign the headrest to do it, as the headrest is currently designed to deform and collapse in a significant impact. Any kind of cockpit shield would need to be attached to something solid.

[Jericoke]

That, to me, offers the worst of all options: substantially restricting escape and not lending that much protection from flying foreign objects.

If it's anchored with the shoulder/head rest it should come out quite easily in an emergency.

You'd have to completely redesign the headrest to do it, as the headrest is currently designed to deform and collapse in a significant impact. Any kind of cockpit shield would need to be attached to something solid.

The entire car would need to be resigned anyway.

The head rest is designed to come away quickly and easily, and yet remain in place for a crash.  Having the head protection installed in the same manner:  stays in place one way, but easily removed another way, would mean exiting the car in an emergency would be no more difficult than it is currently.  (Or exiting in a non emergency for that matter.  A carbon fibre roll bar would certainly be preferable to a glass canopy in that case)

[Andy B]

 It seems Merc have come up with other designs now.