Verstappen not looking forward to “ugly” Halo in F1

Max Verstappen says he is not looking forward to his new Red Bull Formula 1 car including a “very ugly” Halo when it is revealed next week.

The controversial cockpit protection device has been made a mandatory introduction for all F1 teams in 2018 against a backdrop of mixed responses from fans, drivers and team members alike.

Red Bull is set to launch its RB14 on Monday, and while Verstappen is keen to find out how competitive his new car will be - following a frustrating campaign last year - the Dutchman made it clear he does not share the same enthusiasm about the addition of Halo.

"The halo - that will be very ugly," Verstappen said in a pre-season video interview with Red Bull. "I am not looking forward to that. In general I hope the car will look great and hopefully it is fast.

"Hopefully it is a good step forward and we have got straight away a good car for the beginning of the year, so we are not really chasing, like we did last year. That is the most important for us.”

Halo’s implementation has subsequently added extra weight to the 2018 cars, with the new minimum weight limit set at 734kg. Verstappen is concerned taller and heavier drivers could be penalised as a result but insists he will not dramatically change his training regime in a bid to lose extra weight.

"Because the halo is quite heavy, it will be more than six kilos, it is definitely not favourable for me,” he explained. “Being a taller driver and also a bit of a heavier driver than most, it is definitely not ideal. But I am not going to adjust my training for it, because otherwise I won't feel well during the races."

Straight shooter @Max33Verstappen shares his thoughts ahead of the 2018 #F1 season #givesyouwings pic.twitter.com/F2KGa1ERnz

— Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) February 15, 2018