Five times new Formula 1 cars delivered shocks

The double diffuser

Brawn BGP 001 2009 double diffuser detail view

Photo by: Giorgio Piola

Firstly, let’s wind it back to 2009, a turbulent period which had seen Honda quit F1 amid the global financial crisis at the end of the previous season. Its works outfit was subject to a management buyout that resulted in Ross Brawn’s name being emblazoned across the car and the team.

Honda had spent a considerable amount of money on the incoming…