The FIA has issued a new technical directive ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, addressing a loophole in floor plank wear regulations that Red Bull claims rival teams, including Ferrari, have been exploiting to gain a performance advantage. The decision could force teams to adjust their setups significantly, reshaping the competitive dynamics as the season nears its conclusion.
The Loophole in Question
In Formula 1’s ground-effect era, ride height is a critical factor in car performance. The lower a car runs, the greater its aerodynamic efficiency and overall speed. To regulate this, the FIA enforces a 1mm plank wear allowance, measured via four designated holes on the plank underneath the car.
To preserve these planks, teams have been allowed to use metal skid blocks in high-wear areas. Additionally, a previous technical directive permitted the use of satellite skids—supportive elements placed farther from the FIA’s measuring holes—as long as their vertical stiffness matched the main skids. However, the directive didn’t specify restrictions on the thickness of these satellite skids.
Exploiting the Loophole
Several teams, including Ferrari, reportedly capitalized on the lack of a thickness restriction, increasing the size of these satellite skids. This allowed them to run their cars lower, boosting performance while avoiding excessive plank wear.
Red Bull raised the issue with the FIA following the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, arguing that the practice undermined the regulations’ intent and created an unfair advantage for teams utilizing the loophole.
FIA’s Response
In response to Red Bull’s complaint, the FIA issued a new technical directive outlawing the use of satellite skids altogether. Teams like Ferrari, which had been leveraging the now-banned practice, will now need to increase their ride height to comply with the updated regulations. This change is expected to result in a performance hit for affected teams, as running a higher ride height reduces aerodynamic efficiency.
Ferrari’s Constructors’ Championship Hopes at Risk
Ferrari, locked in a battle with McLaren for second place in the constructors’ championship, could face a significant setback. The adjustment may force the team to reassess its setups for the final races, potentially impacting their competitiveness on circuits like Las Vegas, where ride height plays a critical role in managing bumpy surfaces and tight corners.
Red Bull’s Broader Campaign
This is the second regulatory issue Red Bull has flagged recently. The team also raised concerns about potential water injection methods used for cooling tires, which could theoretically provide a thermal management advantage. However, the FIA investigated and found no evidence to support Red Bull’s claims regarding tire cooling foul play.
Impact on the Las Vegas GP
The timing of the directive, issued just days before the Las Vegas Grand Prix, could disrupt preparations for teams that relied on the now-illegal satellite skids. Adjusting ride heights and recalibrating setups may not only affect performance but also tire wear and handling characteristics on the unique challenges of The Strip Circuit.
A Level Playing Field or Red Bull’s Strategic Play?
While the FIA’s swift action ensures compliance with the spirit of the rules, the timing and origin of the complaints highlight the intense strategic battles off the track. Red Bull, already dominant this season, appears intent on ensuring no team gains an edge, even marginally, as the season reaches its final races.
As the paddock reacts to the latest regulatory shake-up, all eyes will be on Las Vegas to see how teams adapt—and whether this directive alters the competitive balance in one of F1’s most glamorous settings.
