F1 testing 2017: Red Bull's innovative 'pingu' nose on RB13 explained

Formula 1 is back in 2017, with all 10 teams unleashing their new challengers on track at the first day of Winter Testing in Barcelona.

There are T-wings, 'shark fins', and many other modifications on show as the sport moves into a new era of technical regulations - but one of the more eye-catching innovations was Red Bull's 'pingu' nose on the RB13.

Seen as F1's aerodynamic experts, led by technical chief Adrian Newey, Red Bull are the only team to have a hole in their car's nose, which has been added to help air run through the car quickly.

"It's effectively just to improve the airflow under the car," he said.

"The way Red Bull set up their car is to run a high level of rake, that means when you look at the car side on, the bottom lifts up and the top sits down. That depends on running a large amount of air underneath the car quite quickly and then worked to the back of the car.

"It's playing to Red Bull's strengths, accelerating a low pressure area under the car, through the nose. It's not a golden bullet, but everything helps in the fight against Mercedes."

Red Bull are looking to topple Mercedes in 2017 after the Silver Arrows dominated the last three seasons. A 'rules refresh' may help them do just that, especially if this aerodynamic addition works its magic.

"Red Bull know their deficit to Mercedes is in the power department," added Ted. "So they need to make their car as low-drag as possible.

"They can slip through the air easier than Mercedes. We'll see if they've managed to achieve that."

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