Ferrari and Mercedes have confirmed making adjustments to their cars following a new technical directive issued by the FIA, which banned the use of satellite skids on the floor planks. The directive, spurred by a complaint from Red Bull, has forced multiple teams to rethink their setups ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Red Bull Sparks the Debate
The controversy began when Red Bull alerted the FIA to a loophole in the plank wear regulations. Satellite skids, which some teams—including Ferrari and Mercedes—were reportedly using, provided additional support to protect the main skids and plank wear zones. This allowed teams to run their cars lower, boosting performance.
In response, the FIA issued a technical directive outlawing these skids, mandating compliance for all teams before the Las Vegas weekend.
Ferrari’s Reluctant Adjustment
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur confirmed changes were made to their car but expressed frustration over the timing and nature of the directive.
“We had to make a change, but we had the confirmation before this that the plank was legal from the FIA,” Vasseur said. “It was the right attitude for us not to fight. I want to stay focused on the championship, not this type of discussion. But the approach was strange.”
Despite the changes, Ferrari remains focused on their bid to close out the season strongly and potentially secure their first Constructors’ title since 2008.
Mercedes Makes Floor Adjustments
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was more concise, confirming that the team “had to change the way we run the floor.” Senior Performance Engineer Jock Clear downplayed the impact, stating, “From what I’ve understood, it’s not been a big drama to deal with whatever we’ve had to deal with.”
Impact Across the Grid
While Ferrari and Mercedes have taken the spotlight, the directive has affected teams up and down the standings. Alpine and Haas, fighting for crucial points in the Constructors’ Championship, also admitted to making adjustments.
Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes revealed the team implemented “a little change,” while Haas is believed to be another team affected, as suggested by RB Racing Director Alan Permane.
“It was extremely easy for us so we haven’t changed our plank at all,” Permane stated. “I believe Haas and Alpine were exploiting [the satellite skids], so maybe it will slow them down a bit. If it does, it will be very small I’m sure.”
Championship Implications
The directive’s impact remains to be seen, but with tight battles across the Constructors’ Championship standings, even small performance shifts could prove decisive. Ferrari currently leads Red Bull by just 13 points in the fight for second, while Alpine, Haas, and RB are locked in a close contest for sixth place.
Las Vegas Awaits
As the lights shine on the Las Vegas Strip, all eyes will be on how these changes affect the performance of affected teams. With the championship fight intensifying in both the upper and lower ends of the standings, the technical directive adds another layer of intrigue to an already unpredictable weekend.
