F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Halo integration proving 'quite difficult' - Lowe

Williams tech boss Paddy Lowe admits the integration of the mandatory Halo cockpit safety device into next year's car has been challenging.

The controversial new component will forever change Formula 1's aesthetics from next season, but so far it's incorporation has been a difficult process.

"It's a big project to put that in the car," Lowe told Motorsport.com.

"We're still working on it, and the integration is quite difficult. There are very high loads to accommodate, so I think the bigger impact is structural rather than aerodynamic."

As each team works on the device's incorporation, Lowe believes only minimal performance gains are on the cards.

"There is some performance [in it] I guess," said the Williams boss.

"Probably the major area is how efficiently you can provide the mounting requirements to meet the loads – how much weight do you have to throw at that problem? Because it's all weight.

"There are some minor aerodynamic effects. We haven't seen it as a huge project – the detriment is not particularly large. There is some room for manoeuvre there, but not a lot."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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.

Recent Posts

Perez: Red Bull ‘in a great place’ despite Newey departure

Sergio Perez believes Red Bull Racing will be in a great place despite the departure…

1 hour ago

Miami GP: Thursday's build-up in pictures

We’re on the eve of another adrenaline-pumping weekend of action in Florida, with Formula 1's…

2 hours ago

Hamilton: Newey would be ‘amazing addition’ to Ferrari team

Lewis Hamilton has put departing Red Bull designer Adrian Newey at the top of his…

3 hours ago

Hulkenberg: Seidl ‘driving factor’ that led to Audi deal

Nico Hulkenberg says Sauber CEO Andreas Seidl was the “driving factor” behind his decision to…

4 hours ago

Honda hopes to continue support for Tsunoda after 2025

Honda says it hopes to continue supporting its protégé Yuki Tsunoda despite its departure from…

6 hours ago

Schumacher now ‘certain’ Verstappen will leave Red Bull

The news of Adrian Newey's departure from Red Bull has cast a shadow of uncertainty…

8 hours ago