P1racenews AI automatic summary:
A test was carried out at the Spanish Grand Prix, and the FIA has now made a decision.
The FIA has decided to stick with using titanium skid blocks for F1 cars throughout the 2025 season after a test during the Spanish GP revealed crucial insights.
The concern arose after sparks from the titanium skid blocks caused grass fires during the Japanese GP, prompting a test in Barcelona where steel skid blocks were trialed on one car from each team to compare performance.
Steel skid blocks, while losing heat faster than titanium, are heavier, leading to the FIA’s initial proposal of using steel at grassy circuits like Montreal, Silverstone, and Spa, while retaining titanium at street circuits like Baku or Abu Dhabi.
After the evaluation in Barcelona, the FIA decided to maintain titanium skid blocks for the season but advised teams to have steel skid blocks ready in case they become necessary.
The FIA’s updated plan also includes further testing of stainless steel skid blocks at selected events to provide additional data for evaluation and potential future changes.
