Teams will be able to modify Halo

Formula 1 teams will be allowed to make modifications to the Halo device in order to make it more aesthetically pleasing, the FIA has confirmed.

It was announced last week that the Halo would be introduced in 2018 after the Shield device - tested by Sebastian Vettel in Silverstone - was determined to require further development. With drivers split over the Halo's introduction and a largely negative reaction from fans, FIA safety delegate Charlie Whiting says there will be room for teams to develop around the main structure.

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"I think teams haven't explored the full range of possibilities to make them look a little more pleasing to the eye," Whiting said. "We've only seen the bare designs, and even when Williams ran with a white one it looked a great deal better – I think you'll agree. Personally, I think fans will get used to it, but there is a little bit of pushback at the moment.

"The possibilities the teams have, we will allow a 20mm distance from around the main tubes at the top in order for them to fit fairings. I think they will come up with some different designs. I don't think it will be quite as bad as you think."

Asked if he was expecting such a bad reaction to Halo, Whiting replied: "All the Halos we've seen bar one from Williams as I remember have been raw, shall we call them, so I think we should wait and see what the teams come up with, because they will try to exploit the extra freedom that they have got – even if it is for aero reasons – then I am sure they will look more pleasing to the eye."

With one external manufacturer set to supply the Halo to the teams, Whiting explained the main thinking behind development space was to help with the aerodynamic impact.

"They have to use the standard Halo which will be made by a single supplier, and we will allow them to use non-structural fairings around the upper part which can be no more than 20mm from the main structure, and I think there is an overall width restriction and a restriction on how far they can encroach on the cockpit opening," he said.

"20mm is quite a lot all the way around, and they can do what they like with that. The main reason the first place was to give them scope to overcome any aero changes they have got to make, for example on the air box or things like that, if they want to redirect the flow."

During a briefing at the Hungaroring on Thursday, the FIA also confirmed the Halo can withstand 15 times the weight of the car, and teams will be allowed to test it during Friday practice sessions this season.