Tech insight - Mercedes' strengthened rear suspension

The punishing new kerbs at the Red Bull Ring contributed to a number of rear suspension failures over the Austrian Grand Prix weekend, including Nico Rosberg’s during final practice at Turn 2.

Understandably Mercedes did not want to risk a repeat, and by the start of qualifying just a couple of hours later this safeguard was in place, with carbon fibre strips applied to the top wishbone, pull rod arm, and front leg of the lower wishbone. The stiffening was applied to both cars and the modification was retained for the race.