FIA reach decision over major F1 rule change

The FIA has decided that F1 cars will continue to use titanium skid blocks for the remainder of the 2025 season, following a test at the Spanish GP. 

With concerns that the sparks created by the titanium skid blocks underneath cars were the cause of the grass fires which disrupted the Japanese GP weekend, a test was carried out in Barcelona, with one car from each team running a steel skid block to evaluate the differences.

Steel sparks lose their heat quicker than titanium, but it is also heavier, but a plan from the FIA would have seen steel skid blocks used at circuits with grass alongside the track such as in Montreal, or at Silverstone and Spa whilst street tracks or circuits with concrete run-offs like Baku or Abu Dhabi would retain the titanium blocks. 

However, after an evaluation of the testing in Barcelona, the FIA now says that titanium blocks will remain for the rest of the 2025 season, but that teams should have steel skid blocks on stand-by in case they are required.

"Following an analysis of the stainless steel skid block trials in Barcelona, the FIA has revised the implementation plan outlined in TD015," read a statement from the FIA. 

"Titanium skid blocks will remain the mandated material for the remainder of the season. However, teams are requested to have stainless steel skid blocks available at all events, as they may become mandatory if similar grass fire incidents occur as seen in Suzuka early this year.

"Additional testing of stainless steel skid blocks will be conducted at selected events throughout the season to support further evaluation."