P1racenews AI automatic summary:
There has been a lot of talk in Las Vegas regarding Red Bull’s FIA request into skid blocks – but why has the FIA changed those guidelines now after a complaint from Red Bull? RacingNews365 technical expert Paolo Filisetti dives into the matter.
The FIA confirmed a resolution regarding the use of metal guards for skid blocks in response to a request from Red Bull upon F1’s arrival in Las Vegas for the third-to-last round of the season. This led to adjustments in a few cars on the grid, with the metal guards placed on the plank under the cars’ floors. While not a new technical directive, it clarified existing rules about the material and wear standards for the plank. The timing of this clarification was crucial due to the strategic importance of the low ride height in a track like Las Vegas. The change could potentially impact the downforce levels generated by the floor of the cars, especially for teams like Red Bull and Ferrari who optimized their driving heights. Ferrari, in particular, remained committed to their set-up principles, incorporating modifications to the floor for enhanced performance. The allowable wear limits on both the plank and metal insert should not exceed 1 millimetre, ensuring a minimum total thickness of 9 millimetres for optimal performance.
