Here’s a quick comparison of the last two Red Bull Racing F1 cars, the RB8 and the RB7. We don’t have a lot of comparable pics at this stage, but click on the pic above to launch a 2000px super image.
Despite a poor angle, the change in the nose design is clear to see. In 2012 the front of the nose has had to be lowered to meet new safety regulations, aimed to minimise injury with another driver in the event of a t-bone accident. It’s this which has led to the ‘platypus’ phenomenon we’ve been seeing so far this year.
You can also see the rear end of the RB8 is much neater than the car it replaces, due to changes in exhaust placement specified in this year’s regulations after exhaust blown diffusers were banned.