Special feature

Austrian GP: F1 tech updates, direct from the garages

As Formula 1 gets set to race in Austria, Giorgio Piola and Sutton Images reveal the all-important technical updates on show in the Red Bull Ring pitlane.

A great view of the new sidepod arrangement, which sees the bodywork below and around the inlet set back, reducing any potential disturbance from the front wing and tyre.

A close-up of the leading arched edge of the ‘cape’ which runs down and around the nose of the W09.

Comparing the new (upper) tri-element footplate and older specification on Toro Rosso’s front wing stand in Austria.

One of the Mercedes mechanics persuades the vanity panel out of its location on top of the chassis. Note the way in which the internalised pipework for their ‘S’ duct splits either side of the pitot stack.

A close up of the W09’s rear end, including diffuser and cooling outlet selection for this race.

Having trialled a prototype front wing during FP1, both McLaren drivers switched to their more conventional versions for second practice.

During FP1 McLaren ran a prototype front wing – it’s unclear as to whether this is relevant to some of the problems faced by the team or whether it’s a sighter for the regulatory overhaul that’s coming in 2019. It featured numerous changes to its current specification.

Lance Stroll, Williams FW41 steering wheel

A look at the rear of Lance Stroll’s steering wheel shows he has a conventional layout with a gear shift paddle either side (upper) and a pair of clutch paddles (below).

A look at the steering wheel used by Robert Kubica – for comparison as he uses a single paddle for both up and downshifts.

We can see the holes beneath the chassis that cool the driver and some of the equipment housed within the MCL33.

Mercedes-AMG F1 W09 front wheel hub and brake duct detail

The W09’s front brake and suspension assembly with the various winglets that are hung from them with which to control the surrounding airflow.

The enclosed rear brake drum on the Mercedes W09, managing brake and through proximity the bulk tyre temperature.

The large shovel-shaped winglet mounted astride the front upper wishbone on the Mercedes W09.

A clear view of Ferrari’s sidepod solution which puts the inlet high up out of the way of the disturbed flow it might otherwise encounter.

Scuderia Toro Rosso STR13 rear and diffuser

A sideways glance across at Toro Rosso’s diffuser and the strakes mounted on the lower edge of the rear wing.

A look at the triple element turning vanes on STR13, which also feature numerous serrations in the footplate.

The FW41 front brake duct with its built-in crossover pipework, which transports airflow from the main inlet across the face of the wheel rim and out through the face of the wheel. It also features several smaller apertures in a row on the surface of the drum which release heat generated by the discs under braking.

Nico Hulkenberg, Renault Sport F1 Team R.S. 18 detail front wing

Renault has several front wings available as it evaluates what best suits the circuit’s demands. This specification was fitted to Hulkenberg’s car during Free Practice 2.

Renault Sport F1 Team R.S. 18 detail front wing

As a comparison this wing was fitted to Carlos Sainz Jnr’s car during FP2, and features narrower upper flaps and a more imposing Gurney on the uppermost flap.