BREAKING: FIA change F1 rules at Las Vegas Grand Prix to close Mercedes and Ferrari…read more

“FIA Enforces New Skid Block Rule Ahead of Las Vegas GP, Impacting Mercedes and Ferrari”

The FIA has introduced a new technical directive ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, specifically banning the use of protective plates over skid blocks, a change that is expected to affect teams like Mercedes, Ferrari, and Haas. This rule adjustment comes after a complaint lodged by Red Bull Racing, aimed at closing a loophole that allowed certain teams to reduce the wear on their skid blocks, a critical part of a Formula 1 car’s underbody.

Skid blocks are essential in regulating a car’s minimum ground clearance, ensuring compliance with the FIA’s strict technical regulations. When teams run their cars low to the ground to increase downforce, the skid blocks can suffer from excessive wear, particularly when cars hit rough curbs or bumps during races. This issue came to a head at the 2023 United States Grand Prix, where both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were disqualified after post-race inspections revealed their skid blocks had worn below the legal limit, costing both drivers their podium finishes.

In response to the risks of excessive wear, some teams reportedly used protective plates to shield their skid blocks, allowing them to maintain lower ride heights without violating regulations. According to reports from Auto Motor und Sport, Red Bull raised concerns about this tactic, prompting an FIA investigation. The governing body discovered that nearly half of the grid could have been employing similar protective measures, which gave these teams an advantage by enabling them to reduce skid block wear and thus push their cars’ setups further without penalties.

The new FIA directive explicitly bans the use of any such protective plates, forcing teams that were benefiting from this loophole to rethink their car setups. As a result, Mercedes, Ferrari, and other affected teams may need to raise their cars’ ride heights to avoid further issues with skid block wear and to stay within the rules. This change could have a noticeable impact on their lap times, potentially hindering their performance not only at the Las Vegas Grand Prix but in future races as well.

For Red Bull, their role in highlighting this loophole underscores the team’s dedication to maintaining fair play in the sport. While Red Bull itself has been dominant throughout much of the season, ensuring that other teams cannot exploit such technical grey areas helps to preserve a level playing field. The FIA’s swift decision to address this issue reflects its commitment to enforcing the rules and ensuring that all teams comply with the sport’s technical regulations.

The timing of this rule change just ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix adds an extra layer of complexity to the upcoming race weekend. Teams like Mercedes and Ferrari will need to adjust their setups quickly to align with the updated regulations, which could alter their strategies and performance on track. For these teams, the directive introduces an unexpected challenge, and how well they adapt will likely play a significant role in their success or struggles during the race.

This development adds another element of intrigue to the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with fans and teams alike eager to see how the grid will respond to the FIA’s latest technical crackdown. The ban on protective skid block plates could shake up the order, especially for teams like Mercedes and Ferrari, who may need to sacrifice speed to remain compliant with the regulations. Meanwhile, Red Bull, having exposed the loophole, will be watching closely to see if their rivals can adapt without losing too much ground.

In conclusion, the FIA’s decision to outlaw protective skid block plates is a significant move that could influence the outcome of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The ruling reinforces the governing body’s commitment to technical fairness and will require several teams to make adjustments to their cars to avoid penalties. As the teams prepare for the race, the effects of this rule change will undoubtedly add excitement and unpredictability to the proceedings, with the full impact likely felt both in Las Vegas and in the remaining races of the season.