Sainz hails halo as an 'effective device'

Carlos Sainz has took a contrasting view on the introduction of the halo device to that of most other Formula One drivers, and believes the safety frame could be an 'effective device' on the track as bosses at F1 look to improve health and safety.

The device is mandatory on all F1 vehicles from this season onwards, and comes in the form of a frame which surrounds the head of the driver to protect them from falling debris following on-circuit crashes.

Many drivers have lamented the introduction of the device due to a perceived decreased vision behind the wheel, while Max Verstappen of Red Bull called it 'very ugly.

However, Sainz reckons it will take drivers less than one race to get used to it.

"I think it can be an effective device,” the Renault driver admitted.

"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 wind tunnel 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."

This will be Sainz's first full season with Renault alongside Nico Hulkenberg, and has confessed that the team aren't sure of any targets this year because it is still looking to improve.

"The general approach is to work harder every day to continue on a positive trend," Sainz said at the R.S.18's launch on Tuesday.

"For sure, the main target is to take a step forward, both me as a driver and the whole team. It’s difficult to predict how big that step will be.

"I’m confident, as I have been pushing hard during the winter and I know everyone at the factory is giving their very best. I’m convinced this is going to be an exciting season."