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Halo set to evolve and have better integration - Brown

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McLaren's Zak Brown says its' early days for the Halo cockpit safety device which will likely evolve into a more integrated structure in the future.

The component was promoted by the FIA for a year and endured multiple trials with all teams before the governing body sanctioned its mandatory introduction in 2018.

While many continue to decry the element's presence and its negative impact on F1's DNA, McLaren boss Zak Brown views the Halo as a work in progress.

"Like all things, it will develop over time, so what the Halo looks like today will be different in five years," says Brown.

"Hopefully it will become a more integrated part, right now it looks a bit bolted onto the car. If over time it can be a little bit more integrated into the car, visibly nicer.

"It compromises around the driver, but equally it creates more commercial opportunity on the Halo itself. So net, it's not a win or a loss."

Speaking precisely of commercial opportunities, Formula 1 is currently analyzing several experimental solutions destined to help teams exploit the Halo on the commercial front.

One idea apparently under consideration is the addition of a digital display which could convey relevant information or messages.

"Formula 1 has been talking about doing some sort of digital on it, so I think we'll make the most of it," said Brown.

"Possibly some sort of almost like ticker running, like you see at the stock exchange. Some kind of messaging – that sort of thing.

"There are some rules around what you can and can't do with the Halo - the inside can't be painted because they don't want the drivers to be distracted."

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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.

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