Here is our first detailed look at Formula One’s cockpit shield set to be tested by Sebastian Vettel during practice at the British Grand Prix.

The third concept in the FIA’s bid to find an appropriate form of cockpit protection for drivers, the shield follows on from Red Bull’s Aeroscreen and the halo, widely expected to be adopted in 2018, unless the shield can be developed first.

Unlike the halo which is nothing more than a couple parts of ugly carbon fiber, the shield is a clear screen that stretches from the nose of the car and stops just prior to the cockpit. It is being developed by Italian company Isoclima and in our opinion, actually looks pretty bad ass and much more impressive than both the halo and Aeroscreen.

Many hardcore fans are upset that F1 is taking such measures to protect drivers but if the finished product looks like this, we won’t be upset in the slightest.

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