Ferrari and Mercedes have made adjustments to their Formula One cars following the FIA's recent decision to address a loophole in regulations concerning ride height and floor plank wear. The issue involves the wooden plank on the car's floor, which must maintain a mandatory thickness. Teams often use metal skid blocks to protect the plank from excessive wear, but recent scrutiny targeted satellite skids with no specified thickness, prompting the new directive.
The FIA issued the updated technical rules after the Brazilian Grand Prix, with reports indicating that changes aim to ensure consistency in plank wear regulations. Notably, Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc faced disqualification last year in Austin for excessive skid block wear, heightening focus on compliance. Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur acknowledged the required changes, stating that the team's plank design had previously been confirmed as legal but opted not to challenge the directive to remain focused on the championship fight.
Vasseur described the FIA’s approach to the matter as unusual but chose to avoid further disputes as Ferrari competes with McLaren and Red Bull for positions in the constructors' standings. Similarly, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confirmed that his team adjusted their floor setup in response to the directive, ensuring compliance with the new requirements.
Alpine also made minor adjustments to their car, as confirmed by principal Oliver Oakes. The changes highlight the continuous evolution of technical regulations and the teams’ need to adapt swiftly to maintain competitive performance within the established guidelines.
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