P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The latest in RacingNews365’s series on the biggest F1 scandals takes us to 2009 and the double-diffuser.
Adrian Newey still believes to this day that the double-diffuser used in F1 in 2009 was illegal and should have been banned, suggesting it was allowed as a lesson to McLaren and Ferrari by FIA president Max Mosley. The development of the double-diffuser by Brawn, Toyota, and Williams caused a major controversy with protests and FIA hearings. Eventually, the device was deemed legal, benefiting Jenson Button’s title win with Brawn that year. The 2009 F1 cars had a different look due to new regulations, resulting in a reshuffle of the pecking order and the return of slick tyres since 1997. Ferrari, McLaren, and BMW struggled with the changes, while Brawn, Red Bull, Williams, and Toyota thrived with the double-diffuser advantage. The loophole in the rules discovered by a Honda engineer allowed for larger diffusers, enhancing downforce and speed. This innovation had a significant impact on the 2009 F1 season.
