F1 onboard camera positions to change in 2019 to avoid halo

The location of the on-board cameras on Formula 1 cars is laid out in the regulations and it was only after the 2018 cars ran for the first time that it became clear the halo was blocking off some of the views.

In particular, the famous over-the-shoulder camera position was badly affected - with the halo in the way of the majority of what the camera could see.

That is why F1 has relied so heavily on the roll-hoop T-camera position throughout this season. This shot was subsequently tweaked to use the halo as a graphics display.

Following recent discussions among the FIA, Formula One Management and teams, an agreement has now been reached to change some camera positions for next year.

The camera on the side of the engine cover behind the driver's shoulder will be moved higher [red arrow] to lift it as clear as possible of the halo obstruction.

This comes after successful tests by the Renault team of the new view - which fans may have already caught a glimpse of during recent Friday practice runs [main image].

As well as that change, the mirror cameras are being relocated to the front of the cockpit, and will face rearwards to look at the driver.

The position of the nose and roll-hoop cameras will remain unchanged

The change of camera positions has been approved unanimously by the teams, and now just needs formally signing off by the Strategy Group, F1 Commission and FIA World Motor Sport Council, but this should be a formality.