Mercedes has carried out minor tweaks to the diffuser on its W17 Formula 1 car ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix. The changes follow a technical directive issued by the FIA after rival teams raised concerns about the design introduced in Montreal.
The team arrived at the Canadian Grand Prix with an upgraded package that included serrated spike-like profiles on the upper section of the diffuser. Rivals including Ferrari questioned the solution and sought clarification from the FIA on whether similar concepts would be permitted.
The FIA responded with a directive after the Barcelona Grand Prix. The document, now referred to as an FIA doc, took effect from the Austrian Grand Prix weekend and prohibited the extreme implementation used by Mercedes.
Mercedes confirmed the required adjustments were visible during media day in Austria. The diffuser extensions remain in a revised form without the spike-like profiles. Racing Bulls was also instructed to alter its diffuser extensions.
Other teams continue to explore less extreme diffuser extensions. Ferrari and customer team Haas employ permitted designs on their 2026 cars that stay within the updated guidelines.
