BREAKING:FIA to evaluate major F1 rule change at… read more
The FIA is moving forward with a significant evaluation of a potential rule change in Formula 1 aimed at improving safety by reducing the risk of grass fires during races. The initiative involves testing steel skid blocks as a replacement for the current titanium ones, and a trial is set to take place during the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona.
The need for this evaluation stems from several incidents earlier in the season, notably during practice sessions at the Japanese Grand Prix in April and again at the Chinese Grand Prix. In both instances, dry grass at the side of the track caught fire after being ignited by the extremely hot sparks generated by the titanium skid blocks used under the F1 cars. These sparks, caused by the titanium components scraping along the track surface, led to several red flags and interruptions in practice sessions.
The FIA has identified the titanium skid blocks as a likely cause due to their ability to retain intense heat for extended periods. As a solution, steel skid blocks have been proposed because they do not heat up to the same extreme levels and also cool down much more quickly. These properties would reduce the likelihood of sparks igniting dry vegetation trackside.
However, despite the potential safety benefits, some teams initially resisted the change when it was proposed. One of the key concerns involves the rate at which steel skid blocks wear down. Steel is softer than titanium, meaning it would degrade faster, especially at the high speeds and pressures F1 cars endure. As a consequence, teams may need to raise the ride height of their cars to prevent excessive wear and avoid violating the plank wear regulations, which could lead to disqualification. Raising the ride height can have a significant impact on car performance, particularly under the current ground-effect aerodynamic regulations, where maintaining a low and consistent ride height is critical for optimal downforce.
In addition, teams have expressed concerns about the added weight of steel skid blocks. At approximately 750 grams heavier than titanium ones, they could pose a problem for teams already struggling to stay within the strict minimum weight limits set by F1 regulations. There are also potential cost implications associated with the switch, especially if steel components wear out faster and need more frequent replacement.
Despite these challenges, the FIA is determined to test the steel skid blocks. During the Friday practice session at the Spanish Grand Prix, one car from each team will be fitted with the steel components to gather real-world performance and wear data. If the results are favorable, the FIA is expected to mandate the use of steel skid blocks at tracks where grass borders the circuit, such as the Red Bull Ring in Austria, Silverstone in the UK, and Interlagos in Brazil. Circuits with concrete surroundings or street tracks will continue using titanium blocks.
This approach suggests a compromise, allowing the FIA to enhance safety without implementing a blanket regulation change across all circuits. The outcome of the Spanish GP test will be crucial in determining the future of skid block materials in Formula 1.
