Video: Mercedes' Allison explains the Halo's challenges

©Mercedes

The Halo cockpit safety device threw down a challenge to F1's designers last year, and like his colleagues, Mercedes' James Allison struggled to minimize the component's effects.

Denounced by many as an element adverse to Formula 1's DNA, the Halo's introduction was controversial, but ultimately the FIA viewed its mandatory presence as the best possible option for increasing cockpit safety.

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Designed to shield a driver from flying debris and protect in the event of an accident or collision, the Halo's resistance to load is massive.

“This is not a light piece of work, it is several kilograms of titanium that need to be put on the car,” Allison articulately explains in the short video produced by Mercedes and posted on its website.

"We had to strengthen the design of the chassis so that it would be able to take roughly the weight of a London double-decker bus sitting on top..."

Allison insists the Halo will evolve in the future, and eventually enjoy better integration and aesthetics.

"It’s a bit of an acquired taste, and we’re still busy acquiring it and I‘m sure everyone else is too, but I think there are things we can do in coming seasons to make it also look nicer on the car," he added.

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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.