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
UnlockedWas there any way for Norris to win in Madrid after the VSC?
All the key moments from the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix
What's new with the F1 Sprint in 2027?
Piastri assesses his ‘painful’ Spanish GP in Madrid
Why Haas see the positives after Madrid disappointment
Honda announce changes to leadership of power unit programme
