I haven’t for sure figured out why I think this is the best looking F1 car around, but on Monday, Sauber introduced their new C31 for this year’s F1 competition. I think it’s something about the ‘steps’ right before the nose that really do it for me; remind me of the more straight-curve mixtures we used to see on F1 cars in the 70s. The colours, the nose treatment, and those combinations of curves and straight edges really do it for me.
I know that the “look” of the F1 car is of less importance than all of the performance characteristics; but to someone who appreciates the design of race cars——this one hits the right buttons!
src: F1SA
EDIT! I’ve just realised after careful examination that Ferrari also has a very similar design to their nose—–just executed with much poorer aesthetics (but likely better aerodynamics). But you would expect that—-as it’s a Ferrari.
IEDEI 
Are you kidding?? This year’s F1 cars are the ugliest I have ever seen. That notched nose design is hideous.
i love it. you want ugly noses? this: http://media.photobucket.com/image/recent/ApexOversteer/ferrari-1974-lauda-03.jpg
Most Mid 70s F1 cars were also very ugly, imo. But they had balls, and enormous rear tires which made them cool. The best era was really the early 90s. Those cars were so elegantly beautiful and well proportioned.
if you ignore the front wing, all f1 cars this season look like ducks from the front. and they’re not pretty animals.
All of a sudden all F1 cars turned ugly. WTF?
If by best looking you mean least ugly then yes, could be. Luckily I don’t give a toss about F1.
I completely agree. Except McLaren, all cars have a similar design on the front nose — Red Bull has introduced an air intake in the “step” — but the Sauber, for some reason I cannot explain, is my favorite of them all.
agreed! i just looked through a bunch of pics….didn’t realise the Red Bull had an intake on the step…interesting…..
This is due to the fact that new regulations by FIA.McLaren has a lower chassis and that`s the reason that they choose a more “regular” nose.
I too love the new designs,more aggresive ,more function than form.
looking forward to melbourne!
We have put together a collection of all the F1 cars of 2012. McLaren is the only team without the step decline nose.
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