While the introduction of the Halo cockpit protector continues to grab headlines ahead of its introduction to Formula 1 for 2018, the sport’s technical heads have explained how its relative late arrival will have an impact on the design of next year’s cars.

During the build-up to the Hungarian Grand Prix, talk in the paddock circulated around the Halo which has been given the green light to be used on all F1 cars from 2018 despite being given a mixed reception during the testing phase.

After the FIA released a lengthy statement defending the Halo and explaining the research behind the device, Renault’s chassis technical director Nick Chester says confirmation of the cockpit protection device will require required design modifications to enhance its aerodynamic impacts on 2018 cars.

Chester accepts the challenge is the same for all F1 teams and won’t be compromised as the Halo is being installed for primary safety reasons but concedes it will act as a ‘detriment’.

“I think the Halo is good to have to give the driver more protection and everyone’s behind that and wants to put it on the car for that reason,” Chester said. “But in terms of aero, if anything it’s a detriment and, if anything, you have to work around it being fitted to the car.

“I don’t think they’ll be any huge tricks with it. I think everyone will just want to put it on the car and make it the best they can for the drivers.”

Ferrari’s chief technical officer Mattia Binotto, credited for the Italian manufacturer’s recent resurgence this season, has explained the Halo is impact the aerodynamics over the rear of the 2018 cars but it’s something his team has been focusing on since its confirmation.

“It’s quite a late decision compared to the project but nevertheless, because of the safety it’s important everybody tries to work very hard on it,” Binotto said. “The implications are from the chassis structure point of view. So we need to make sure that we are fitting well the Halo on the chassis and the chassis is resisting to the loads that are required by regulations.

“As well from the aero point of view it may affect certainly the back of the car and that has to be taken into account when designing the new car.”