Mercedes’s novel diffuser extension, introduced at the Canadian GP, now falls under tighter FIA scrutiny.
Diffuser Innovation at Montreal
Engineer duo Kimi Antonelli and George Russell revamped the front wing and floor, with the most eye‑catching change being the Montreal‑spec diffuser. Over half of the surface was fitted with serrated, spike‑like profiles designed to push the diffuser’s length and ground‑effect efficiency.
Reactions from Rivals and the FIA
Ferrari and other teams quickly noted the new shape. The Scuderia asked the FIA for clarification, and the governing body advised that similar designs were not permitted at that time.
New Technical Directive Takes Effect
After the Barcelona GP, the FIA released a directive that came into force from the Austrian round. Mercedes admitted that the upgrade required “minor tweaks” and that the updated diffuser was already visible in Austrian media photos, now without the spike‑like protrusions.
Other Teams Explore Less Extreme Options
Despite the ban on extreme extensions, other outfits continue to experiment with diffuser relief. Ferrari’s 2026 challenger, the SF‑26, features extensions, with Haas adopting a comparable but multi‑element approach. Racing Bulls has also been asked to modify its diffuser extensions in light of the new rules.
Moving Forward
The FIA message signaled acceptance of moderate diffuser extensions while capping the most radical innovations, setting a clear path for teams to balance performance gains with regulatory compliance.
"