When we look at the WO5's nose we note it bears resemblance to the Ferrari F14T presented thus far, however on the Ferrari the gap between the Mainplane and centre section of the nose (tip) remains at the specified 185mm from the reference plane (Ie 60mm above the Mainplane). The faux nose tip of the WO5 is actually 65mm higher at 250mm high. How do I know this you're going to say...
Having already seen the Lotus nose and uproar it caused I mentioned at the time that I had floated such an idea several weeks before. My idea (above) was a little aggressive and perhaps didn't take into account all of the dimensional constraints surrounding the curvature of the nose in the bodywork regulations. However what it did do is highlight what sort of scenario was available.
The Mercedes nose follows a similar premise and so I've drawn onto the image below to try and explain the situation.
You have to consider 3 separate constructs, the connecting pylons are drawn in yellow and have a maximum width of 25mm and could extend up the side of the inner 'teeth' in order to add rigidity to the wing (although this will of course make the space between the pylons narrower. The periphery of the nose is made up by the actual crash structure (drawn in red) meeting with the following key regulations:
15.4.3 An impact absorbing structure must be fitted in front of the survival cell. This structure need not be an integral part of the survival cell but must be solidly attached to it.
No part of this structure may lie more than 525mm above the reference plane.
It must have a single external cross section, in horizontal projection, of more than 9000mm² at a point 50mm behind its forward-most point. Furthermore :
a) No part of this cross-section may lie more than 250mm or less than 135mm above the reference plane.
b) The centre of area of this section must be no more than 185mm above the reference plane and no less than 750mm forward of the front wheel centre line.
The section that talks about 9000mm2 at 50mm behind it's forward most point means you must project that area at no less than 135mm and no more than 250mm above the reference plane.
One of the 'teeth' to allow this to be legal must be placed at 50.01mm (at least) behind the other (as we saw in the Lotus mock up) I have therefore marked in Green what is most likely made up as a Vanity Panel to create the symmetry and make the design legal.