McLaren’s new shorter nose broke cover in Austria on Fernando Alonso’s car following a successful crash test last week, having already failed multiple times prior to that.
The nose allows for greater airflow under the car which is then channelled toward the diffuser, increasing downforce and rear-stability.
The team were almost forced to abandon the part however as it emerged that the FIA asked them not to run it when it was revealed that the nose passed the crash test attached to a different, lighter monocoque than what they’re racing.
McLaren’s technical team met with the FIA on Friday and managed to convince them that it would behave in the same manner, should a frontal impact happen, when attached to their current chassis.
