The first glimpse of cars on-track at the Australian Grand Prix is always a time for great excitement as a new campaign gets under way, but there were collective groans from across Formula 1 fandom as the halo interrupted camera angles from drivers' cockpits.
Drivers up and down the grid have vented frustration at the halo's aesthetic drawbacks, with the safety device widely panned by fans.
And coverage of FP1 and FP2 once again led to criticisms of the halo, which obscures views of cameras mounted next to the airbox of cars.
Getting used to the halo on the cars from exterior angles is one thing... and to be honest, I'm over it and quite like the cars.
However, I really am struggling to get to terms with the horrendous T-cam view #F1 #AusGP pic.twitter.com/cI57TxfqxP — Matt Gallagher (@xMattyG) March 23, 2018
These angles are horrific. #F1 pic.twitter.com/to2RAck9fK — Helèna (@_HelenaHicks) March 23, 2018
Good if you've got some damp laundry pic.twitter.com/sBStnoGHw5 — Stuart F1 Taylor (@chainbearf1) March 23, 2018
Motorsport reported that F1 have acknowledged camera angles around the halo need to be adapted.
However, F1 rules state that changes to camera installations must be confirmed by June 30 the previous year - meaning changes will not be implemented at any point this season.
"One thing that strikes me is that a good fifty percent of the useful screen is black," Force India COO Otmar Szafnauer commented on the matter.
"I think it's early days. I'm sure with feedback we'll think of clever ways to do it."
Camera angles in the nose of cars and also in drivers' visors have been introduced for the new season of IndyCar. It remains to be seen how F1 will solve this latest issue.


