Williams tech boss Paddy Lowe says the Halo safety device will impact the performance of next year's cars through its sheer weight rather than its aerodynamics.
The Halo has been made mandatory for 2018 and its integration has proven problematic for designers because of the weight of the component itself and the bracing structure that supports the necessary loads.
Lowe believes any team which successfully minimizes the negative impact of the cockpit safety device will likely enjoy performance gains.
"The weight is probably the biggest thing which people aren’t talking about so much," Lowe said.
"It is very heavy not just as a component but also the structure you put in to take the loads.
"Performance-wise it’ll be the weight which will be more significant than the aerodynamic impact which is negligible."
To compensate for the Halo's presence, the FIA has increased the minimum weight of next year's cars by 6kg, a surplus which could also prove detrimental to drivers - like Nico Hulkenberg or Marcus Ericsson - who weigh in at the high end of the scale.
"The weight limit was put up but not by the amount that it has impacted so I think that’s why it’ll be a challenge to all the teams," Lowe said.
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