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
Crawford to get another FP1 run with Aston Martin in Austria
The best F1 driver starting XI as voted for by you
Aston Martin struggles ‘weighing on everyone’ says Krack
ExclusiveRussell reflects on his Mercedes career in photos
Where Audi's main focus lies after a season of near misses
Wolff 'to discuss' Mercedes intra-team rules with drivers
