F1 launch ‘investigation’ over issue that sparked w…

Formula 1 Opens Investigation After Fires Disrupt Japanese Grand Prix

Formula 1 has launched a formal investigation into a serious safety issue that caused significant disruption during a major race earlier this season. The situation, involving multiple fires breaking out around the circuit, was discussed extensively during the latest Formula 1 Commission meeting, highlighting the need for urgent solutions.

The Commission, meeting for the second time this year in Geneva, was led by FIA’s single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis and F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali. While updates to the 2025 regulations and early discussions about the 2026 rule changes were on the agenda, the fires at the Japanese Grand Prix became a major focus due to the scale of the disruption they caused.

At Suzuka, several grass fires broke out around the track during the race weekend. The combination of unusually dry grass and high winds created a volatile environment. Sparks generated by the underside of the F1 cars — particularly from the titanium skid blocks scraping against the asphalt — easily ignited the dry grass when blown off the racing line. Over the course of the weekend, a total of five fires were recorded, causing significant delays, including two red-flag periods during practice sessions. Teams lost precious track time, which impacted their ability to prepare strategies and car setups for the race.

Though marshals acted swiftly and effectively to extinguish the fires, the incidents made it clear that a more permanent solution is required. Formula 1 and the FIA emphasized that allowing such a safety risk to persist is unacceptable for a series that continually pushes to enhance safety standards.

As a result, an official investigation is underway to explore possible changes to minimize the risk of fires in the future. Two primary avenues are being considered: altering the materials used on the cars and modifying circuit maintenance practices.

Currently, F1 cars use titanium skid plates that produce the characteristic bright, hot sparks during races. While visually spectacular, these sparks are extremely hot and can easily ignite dry surfaces. One proposal is to switch from titanium to steel for the skid blocks. Steel generates fewer sparks and, crucially, cooler ones, significantly reducing fire risks without compromising the racing spectacle too much.

In addition to hardware changes, circuit maintenance may also be revised. Officials are exploring the option of chemically treating the grass or soil near the track to make them less flammable, particularly in areas where sparks are most likely to land.

Any proposed changes must be formally approved by the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council before they can be introduced into the sport, following the usual regulation approval process.

The issue at Suzuka also underscored how shifting the Japanese Grand Prix to an earlier calendar date has unintended consequences. Traditionally held in September or October when humidity levels are higher, the race is now staged in the spring, when drier and windier conditions prevail. These environmental changes contributed heavily to the fire outbreaks and present new challenges for organizers going forward.

Formula 1 remains committed to ensuring the safety of everyone involved. As investigations continue, teams, drivers, and fans alike await updates on the measures that will be taken to safeguard future race weekends at one of the sport’s most iconic venues.