Why changes to FIA skid block regulations have a significant budget impact on Ferrari
Today at 02:43 PM
Ferrari has stated that the timing of the FIA's recent intervention, which involved a technical directive regarding skid blocks, resulted in a significant impact on its Formula 1 budget.
Just before the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the FIA sent a letter to teams, addressing the use of satellite skid blocks designed to protect the underfloor plank. The governing body sought to impose stricter regulations on these components.
As a result, several teams had to quickly make adjustments to their cars to ensure they were in compliance with the FIA's revised interpretation of the rules. While the required changes are not believed to have had a major effect on the competitive standings, the rushed nature of these modifications created challenges for some teams, particularly in terms of cost and resources.
Ferrari, a team thought to have utilized satellite skid blocks effectively, expressed its dissatisfaction with the situation. Team principal Frederic Vasseur described the situation in Las Vegas as an unusual one, showing frustration over the timing and circumstances surrounding the intervention.
"We had to make the change, but we had also the confirmation before this that the plank was legal, that from the FIA," – the FIA informed ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix French manager revealed insaid during an official press conference. I think it was the right attitude for us not to fight because I want to stay focused on the championship and not on this kind of discussion. But the approach was strange."
When pressed further on his comment about it being “strange,” Frederic Vasseur explained that the late decision had led to avoidable costs: "It’s true that the TD came very late because we received the TD last Friday, one week before the quali. This is a bit tough. But it is like it is. It’s not an excuse for [the performance in Las Vegas], it’s two separate things. I think the issue [in Vegas] was more about tyre management, and so it has nothing to do with this." – the French manager pointed out.
When asked if he believed the changes had impacted Ferrari's performance, Fred Vasseur responded, “In terms of budget? Yes, significantly, because we had to redo all the skid blocks.”
Nevertheless, Ferrari had a successful Las Vegas Grand Prix, with Carlos Sainz securing third place and Charles Leclerc finishing fourth behind the two Mercedes cars of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.
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