Ferrari and Mercedes have officially confirmed modifications to their Formula 1 cars following a new technical directive issued by the FIA. The directive was prompted by Red Bull’s complaint regarding using satellite skids; a technique teams were allegedly exploiting to bypass plank wear regulations.
The controversy arose when it was discovered that some teams, including Ferrari and Mercedes, were using these supportive skids to gain an advantage by running their cars lower to the ground. In response, the FIA issued a directive banning the practice ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix to ensure compliance with the rules. Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur and Mercedes Team Boss Toto Wolff acknowledged on Thursday that adjustments were made to their cars to align with the updated regulations. These changes reflect both teams’ commitment to adhering to the sport’s technical framework while maintaining a competitive edge.
Ferrari And Mercedes Explain The Technical Changes
Ferrari and Mercedes have acknowledged making adjustments to their cars following the FIA’s new technical directive on satellite skids. While complying with the directive, Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur raised questions about the FIA’s approach but chose not to escalate the matter further, prioritizing the team’s focus on its championship campaign. Vasseur emphasized that Ferrari had received prior confirmation from the FIA that its plank setup was legal, yet they adhered to the changes mandated by the directive.
Meanwhile, Toto Wolff confirmed that his team had also altered how they operated the floor of their car in response to the directive. He kept his remarks brief, underscoring the team’s compliance without elaborating on the technical aspects.
Jock Clear, Ferrari’s Senior Performance Engineer, highlighted that technical directives effectively function as extensions of the regulations. He explained that Ferrari reviewed and responded to the new requirements without significant challenges, minimizing disruption to their operations. Both teams appear intent on navigating the changes with minimal conflict, ensuring compliance while maintaining their competitiveness in the championship.
How Will The Changes Impact Performance?
The new technical directive issued by the FIA regarding satellite skid blocks has had implications beyond the front runners, affecting teams throughout the Formula 1 grid. While RB’s Alan Permane confirmed that the changes have not impacted his team, he hinted that competitors like Haas and Alpine, battling Red Bull’s sister team in the Constructors’ standings, have had to make adjustments.
Permane explained that Red Bull did not need to alter their car’s plank configuration, suggesting that other teams, particularly Haas and Alpine, might face minor setbacks due to the directive. However, he downplayed the potential performance impact, stating it would likely be marginal. These assumptions were later validated by Alpine Team Principal Oliver Oakes, who disclosed during a press conference in Las Vegas that Alpine did indeed need to implement “a small change” to comply with the new guidelines.
The true impact of these adjustments on team performance remains uncertain, especially as the Constructors’ standings remain closely contested. Red Bull is actively pursuing Ferrari for second place, with the Italian team holding 557 points compared to Red Bull’s 544. Only time will reveal whether the technical directive will influence these rankings.