In 2021 Formula 1 will, for the first time in approximately 25 years, stray away from the commonplace raised nose designs. In their place, the front wing will now be directly attached to the nose; for the aesthete, the reversal will evoke memories of F1 challengers from the late 1980s and early 1990s.
For the aerodynamicist, it will deprive them of a lucrative stream of downforce made available by opening up the centreline of the car.
Raised noses first entered F1 parlance in 1990, when Tyrrell unveiled its 019 - Autosport's Car of the Year in 1990 - in time for the third round of the season, held at Imola. Since then, every team on the grid began to adopt the concept - with varying designs - as it became apparent that the reduced blockage to the front of the car's undertray offered a considerable boost to the overall downforce.