Russell not the least bit bothered by his 'Halo'

40

For all the criticism directed towards the 'Halo' safety device, Mercedes junior Georges Russell says he was actually impressed by the cockpit element.

On the back of the FIA's recent announcement that the Halo will be written into the 2018 rules, a flurry of reproval from the majority of F1 drivers has put the device in a negative light.

But Russell, who ran the component's latest iteration in Wednesday's test session in Budapest, had no problems with the device.

"I had a much better view than I expected," he said.

"When the sun was coming down at the end of the day, it blocked the sun from my eyes. So I actually saw more than I would usually see when the sun is low.

FIA trialling further development on Halo before roll-out

"From a driver's perspective, the visibility is completely fine," he added.

"The only hindrance could potentially be seeing the start lights. Getting in and out of the car with the Halo takes a bit of experience. I struggled initially, but after a few trial runs I was fine."

The FIA has vowed to further develop the device and allow teams a fair amount of leeway for its adaption to the aerodynamic constraints of their cars.

Additional versions will likely be tested in upcoming Friday morning free practice sessions before a final design appears at the end of season Abu Dhabi GP.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.