FIA Insists:The ‘Double Diffuser’ Trick Won’t Return

In Formula 1,every new technical regulation inevitably creates opportunities for innovative solutions. Sometimes such approaches lead to real breakthroughs as was the case in 2009, when Brawn GP,thanks to the “double diffuser,” managed to outsmart its rivals and win the championship.

However, according to FIA Single-Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis, situations of this kind will not be repeated in the 2026 season. He emphasized that the federation has changed its approach to drafting and enforcing the regulations: “We have made it clear to the teams any attempts to exploit loopholes or hidden interpretations of the rules will be stopped. If a team proposes a solution without first seeking official clarification from us, it will not be approved. Should a car concept be developed on such a basis, the consequences for that team will be extremely severe.”

Tombazis also recalled that in 2009 the FIA maintained communication only with certain teams, which led to differing interpretations of the regulations. Now, however, the federation intends to act with maximum transparency: if a question indicates any ambiguity in the rules, clarifications will immediately be shared with all competitors. Thus, the FIA’s main objective is to ensure clarity and equal conditions, eliminating the possibility of hidden interpretations.