Just In: FIA introduce MANDATORY rule change at Las Vegas Grand Prix following Ferrari and Mercedes…read more

FIA introduce MANDATORY rule change at Las Vegas Grand Prix following Ferrari and Mercedes…read more

The FIA has introduced a mandatory rule change via a new technical directive ahead of the highly anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix, addressing concerns over teams exploiting a loophole related to plank wear. The move comes as Formula 1 heads to its third U.S. stop of the season, with Nevada’s Las Vegas offering a spectacle of racing under its famous neon lights. For reigning champion Max Verstappen, this race presents a potential opportunity to secure his fourth consecutive drivers’ title, having built a commanding 62-point lead over McLaren’s Lando Norris after a dominant victory in Brazil.

The newly issued technical directive by the FIA aims to close a loophole that some teams had been exploiting regarding the wear on the floor’s plank, which is critical for maintaining fair competition and safety. Specifically, teams had been adjusting the skid blocks on their cars’ floors, allowing them to run the cars closer to the ground. This modification helped improve aerodynamics and downforce, providing a performance advantage. While Formula 1’s ground-effect regulations encourage low ride heights for better aerodynamic efficiency, the plank wear rules are designed to ensure teams do not gain an unfair advantage through such adjustments. These rules also promote safety by preventing excessive wear, which could compromise the car’s integrity.

The FIA’s action was a direct response to growing concerns from the paddock, particularly following recent races where teams exploited the previous interpretation of the regulations. Red Bull, having raised the issue with the FIA after the Brazilian Grand Prix, voiced concerns that rival teams were bending the rules to gain a performance edge. In response, the governing body moved quickly to implement the new directive ahead of the Las Vegas race, aiming to restore competitive fairness and prevent any further manipulation of the rules.

One of the primary objectives of the technical directive is to prevent flexibility in the interpretation of plank wear, which could give certain teams an unfair advantage in setting up their cars. Under the previous set of regulations, some teams had found ways to effectively preserve their plank, maintaining a low ride height without exceeding the wear limit. This not only gave them better downforce and grip but also reduced the need for adjustments that might otherwise compromise performance. The FIA’s new rule aims to put an end to these practices by introducing stricter controls, ensuring that all teams comply with the fair wear limits specified in the regulations.

In Formula 1, the plank is a crucial component of the car’s floor, and teams are required to ensure that it doesn’t exceed a wear limit of 1mm. If the wear exceeds this threshold, the car faces severe penalties, including disqualification. This was evident at the 2023 United States Grand Prix, where both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were disqualified after their cars were found to have exceeded the plank wear limit. Such penalties highlight the importance of adhering to the regulations and the potential consequences for teams that push the limits of what’s allowed.

The FIA’s swift action and the introduction of this new directive could have immediate effects on the competitive landscape in Las Vegas. Teams that had previously been relying on the flexibility in the plank wear rules will now have to adjust their setups to ensure compliance with the stricter regulations. This change could lead to shifts in performance, as teams now face a more level playing field with reduced opportunities for exploiting technical loopholes.

As the teams prepare for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the implications of the FIA’s new directive will add an extra layer of intrigue to the race. With Verstappen in a strong position to clinch another title, the rule change could also impact the strategies and outcomes of other drivers and teams vying for podium finishes. The Las Vegas Grand Prix, under the bright lights of the Strip, is set to be an exciting event, with the FIA’s technical enforcement adding a new element of drama to what promises to be a thrilling weekend of racing.