Halo integration proving 'quite difficult' - Lowe

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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."

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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."

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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.