The halo is a mandatory addition to all cars in 2018, but while basic dimensions and structural integrity are enshrined by the regulations, the teams still have a small amount of development space… According to many technical directors, incorporating the halo into their 2018 designs has been one of the biggest challenges they’ve ever faced. The main effort has gone into ensuring the titanium structure, which weighs in at around 6-7kg, passes the strict load tests, but the teams have also looked at ways to minimise the impact of the halo from an aerodynamic standpoint – particularly in relation to airflow into the engine air intake above the driver’s head.

The regulations allow a minimal amount of development, and the first signs of how the teams might seek to exploit this were on display at last year’s end-of-season test in Abu Dhabi when McLaren fitted fins to the top of the halo (above image).

Next Previous Enlarge 1 / 2 Haas's halo bares teeth. © Sutton Images Sauber's alternative vortex generator. © Sutton Images Info Close

Other teams have taken the approach of putting vortex generators in the middle section of the halo, the aim being to reduce airflow disruption of the device. Haas’s ‘stegosaurus’ solution has seen them put ‘teeth’ on the top edge of the halo, while Sauber have a ‘lip’ (images above).

Next Previous Enlarge 1 / 2 Toro Rosso STR13 - halo fin, first test © Giorgio Piola A real-world look at Toro Rosso's halo arrangement. © Sutton Images Info Close