Halo won't lead to production delays, insists Haas' Steiner

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Haas boss Guenther Steiner has played down fears F1 teams could face manufacturing delays for 2018 because of the late introduction of the Halo cockpit protection device.

The FIA has made the safety component mandatory for 2018, but teams were only recently made aware of the element's specifications and how it is to be integrated in to a chassis design.

The late information prompted fears that some teams may not be ready in time for pre-season testing early next season, but Steiner there will be any complications.

F1 teams surprised by cost of 'Halo' device

"Everyone is complaining," the Haas team boss said at Suzuka,

"But in the end it's the same for everyone. Everything will be done on time.

"Formula 1 is the highest category of motor sport, so if you are not able to cope with such difficulties then in my view it is better not to be in this championship," he added.

"Of course, if you have two or three extra months to develop a car, we would use them until the last minute," Steiner said.

"But if the information about Halo is shared simultaneously with all the teams, then everything is fine. In any case, we cannot change it."

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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.