F1 could add digital display to Halo

Formula 1's bosses are mulling over the prospect of adding a digital ticker to the Halo when it comes into play later this year. The controversial head protection device has caused a stir with many fans, who claim it disrupts the visual aspect of the cars.

However, the FIA decided to go ahead and implement the device, as it was deemed to be the strongest and only method that's currently ready. In practice, teams have run with a standard black Halo, testing its effects and allowing the drivers to get used to it.

Teams will be allowed to slightly modify the Halo, and they will be painted to blend in with the livery of the cars. Now, McLaren executive director Zak Brown revealed that discussions are ongoing concerning digital information on the Halo.

"Formula 1 has been talking about doing some sort of digital on it, so I think we'll make the most of it," he said. "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. Like all things, it will develop over time, so what the Halo looks like today will be different in five years.

"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."

Fergal Walsh