Breaking: FIA change F1 rules at Las Vegas Grand Prix to close Mercedes and Ferrari…read more
FIA change F1 rules at Las Vegas Grand Prix to close Mercedes and Ferrari…read more
The FIA has issued a technical directive ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, effectively banning the use of protective plates over skid blocks, a move that will impact teams such as Mercedes, Ferrari, and Haas. The ruling follows a complaint from Red Bull Racing and aims to close a loophole that allowed teams to mitigate wear on skid blocks, a key component located beneath the car’s body.
Skid blocks are crucial for regulating the car’s minimum ground clearance and ensuring adherence to FIA regulations. However, when cars run low to the ground to maximize downforce, the skid blocks can become excessively worn, especially when drivers navigate abrasive curbs during races. This scenario played out dramatically at the 2023 United States Grand Prix, where both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were disqualified post-race after a routine inspection revealed their skid blocks had worn below the legal thickness. This resulted in both drivers losing their podium finishes.
To counteract this wear, some teams reportedly employed protective plates, shielding the skid blocks from excessive abrasion and allowing them to run lower ride heights without breaching regulations. According to Auto Motor und Sport, Red Bull’s complaint prompted the FIA to investigate this practice, revealing that nearly half the grid was potentially using similar measures.
The new directive explicitly prohibits the use of such protective plates, forcing affected teams to adjust their car setups. Mercedes and Ferrari, in particular, may now need to raise their ride heights to comply with the updated rules. This adjustment could cost them valuable lap time, potentially compromising their performance at the Las Vegas GP and beyond.
Red Bull’s involvement in exposing this loophole reflects the team’s commitment to maintaining regulatory fairness while also capitalizing on any competitive advantage it may bring. With this directive, the FIA reinforces its stance on preserving a level playing field and ensuring technical compliance across the grid.
The timing of this rule change just ahead of the Las Vegas race underscores the governing body’s swift response to regulatory concerns. However, for Mercedes and Ferrari, the directive presents a new challenge as they work to adapt their cars and strategies under the new constraints. This development is expected to add another layer of intrigue to the Las Vegas Grand Prix, as teams grapple with the implications of the FIA’s latest technical crackdown.
About The Author
