Formula 1's halo will take drivers 20 laps to get used to - Sainz
Carlos Sainz Jr reckons the new halo cockpit protection device will become "normal fairly quickly" and suspects Formula 1 drivers will only need 20 laps to get used to it
The addition of the halo is the biggest design change for the 2018 breed of F1 cars, though on-track running has been limited to short trial runs in tests and free practice sessions over the last two years.
Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas told Autosport recently that the halo made no difference to him on a simulator race run and Sainz believes it will not take long to adjust to on-track.
"I think it can be an effective device," said the Renault driver. "As drivers, we will have to adapt to it, 20 laps or so in testing should be enough time.
"The engineers will see how it affects aerodynamics. I have seen the work done in the windtunnel back in the factory but now we need to test its behaviour on track.
"Visually, I don't think the halo looks too bad once it has been integrated in the car.
"We will all get used to it and it will be normal fairly quickly."
Sainz is preparing for his first full season with Renault having been loaned to the team for the final four races of 2017 by Red Bull.
After moving across from Toro Rosso to replace the ousted Jolyon Palmer, Sainz scored points on his Renault debut in the United States Grand Prix with a seventh-place finish.
"I think it was worth it and has helped me to prepare better for the upcoming season," he said.
"Now I go to testing knowing my engineers and mechanics better, gathering more knowledge on the car and being able to adjust more things to my preferences.
"This way I can focus on finding a strong base line to start the championship on the right foot."
Though he did not trouble the top 10 over the next three grands prix Sainz was closer to team-mate Nico Hulkenberg in qualifying than his predecessor Palmer.
Hulkenberg is expecting a constant intra-team challenge this season.
"There's a young, hungry and good driver who's on the other side of the garage and he'll keep me on my toes," said Hulkenberg.
"Hopefully I can show him a few tricks too."
Previous article
Mercedes and Ferrari F1 launches: Who will copy who for 2018?
Next article
Mercedes F1 launch: 2018 W09 design hits track at Silverstone
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Drivers | Carlos Sainz Jr. |
| Author | Scott Mitchell |
Starting Grid for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix
F1 Fast Facts: Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
The back-bedroom world-beater that began a new F1 era
The first in a line of world beaters was designed in a back bedroom and then constructed in a shed. STUART CODLING recalls the Tyrrell 001
The clues Hamilton’s F1 contract afterthought gives to his future
The Formula 1 world reacted with surprise when it learned Lewis Hamilton’s long-awaited new Mercedes deal guarantees his presence on the grid only until the end of 2021. Both parties claimed publicly they were happy with the arrangement but, asks MARK GALLAGHER, is there more to it than that?
How a harshly ejected Red Bull star has been hooked by racing again
Driver-turned-DJ Jaime Alguersuari lost his love for motorsport when he was booted out of Formula 1 just as he was starting to polish his rough edges. Having drifted from category to category then turned his back on racing altogether in 2015, he’s come full circle and is planning a return in karts for fun
Why Mercedes isn't confident it's really ahead of Red Bull at Imola
While Mercedes struck back against Red Bull by topping the times at Imola on Friday ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the overall picture remains incredibly close. Despite having a possible edge this weekend, the reigning Formula 1 world champion squad is not taking anything for granted...
What Mercedes must do to keep its F1 title challenge on track
Mercedes may find itself leading the drivers' and constructors' standings after Lewis Hamilton's victory in the Bahrain Grand Prix, but it is well-aware that it came against the odds, with Red Bull clearly ahead on pace. Here's what the Brackley team must do to avoid its crown slipping
Why Tsunoda can become Japan’s greatest F1 talent
While Japan's fever for motor racing is well-documented, the country has yet to produce a Formula 1 superstar – but that could be about to change, says BEN EDWARDS
Why the demise of F1's hypocritical spending habit is cause for celebration
For too long, F1's richest teams have justified being able to spend as much as they want because that's the way they've always conducted their business. STUART CODLING says that's no reason not to kick a bad habit
The double whammy that is defining Vettel’s F1 fate
It's been a tough start to Sebastian Vettel's Aston Martin F1 career, with a lack of pre-season testing mileage followed by an incident-packed Bahrain GP. But two key underlying factors mean a turnaround is not guaranteed
