Mercedes debuted a new front-wing at the Belgian Grand Prix with far smaller proportions than its predecessor used before the summer break.
The shorter nose – so short it would fall foul of the 2015 regulations – is also slimmer as it extends back to the chassis to increase airflow to the floor.
As you can see in the top image (Belgium), compared with that of below (Hungary), a large portion of the side has been removed to allow air to pass under the nose with less resistance.
This not only increases the volume of airflow reaching the diffuser and thus improving the overall downforce of the W05, but it is reportedly lighter than the one before it, adding to an overall weight saving of around 8kg since the start of the season through bodywork modifications alone, giving an average three-tenth per lap saving.
The new nose had to undergo yet another crash test over the summer break because it is so radically different in construction.
