From FP2 onwards in Austria, Fernando Alonso ran an obviously different looking version of the team’s 2015 car, almost a B-spec version.
The changes - including the short nose shown above - were part of a major aero update which will be completed at the next round at Silverstone, with a totally new front wing, new sidepods with vertical vanes, new mirrors and a lighter chassis. The change of chassis meant a few procedural headaches for crash testing, as rules state that new components must be tested on the chassis that will be used on track. Eventually in Spielberg, though, Alonso was able to run his car, which also differed from Button’s (below) in its floor, diffuser and rear wing. The nose is a mix of Williams’ and Red Bull’s designs, and allows better airflow to the rear of the car.

Next Up
Related Articles
Sainz hopes point-less finish in Abu Dhabi ‘serves as a wake-up call’
Wolff calls Abu Dhabi ‘mediocre’ but ‘pleased’ to finish P2
Honda reveal details around power unit launch
Hulkenberg pleased to score points in Sauber’s final race
Tickets on sale for 2026 Chinese Grand Prix
Formula 1 to return to Portugal in 2027 and 2028
