FIA to evaluate major F1 rule change at Spanish GP

The FIA is to continue ahead with plans to evaluate the use of steel skid blocks in F1 to try and avoid a repeat of grass fires interrupting on-track action. 

Throughout practice of April's Japanese Grand Prix, there were multiple red flags throughout owing to the titanium skid blocks underneath cars creating white-hot sparks, which then ignited the dry grass by the side of the track. 

As a result of those fires, and another in practice for the 2024 Chinese GP, the FIA has found that the titanium skid blocks underneath cars could be the culprit, as the metal retains its heat for a long time. 

Steel skid blocks were put forward as an alternative owing to the fact that it does not reach the same temperatures as titanium and cools quicker, but some teams were against the proposals when first presented with them. 

The steel blocks wear out far quicker than titanium, with teams, in theory, being forced to raise the ride height of the cars to avoid excessive plank wear and risk disqualification. Raising the ride heights will throw off the crucial balance teams have struck with the ground-effect rules.

There are also weight concerns and cost concerns, with steel blocks about 750g heavier than titanium, which would punish some teams who are already over the dry weight limit. 

However, the FIA is set to continue with the plans to introduce steel skid blocks at circuits which have grass alongside them, starting with a test at the Spanish GP.

RacingNews365 understands that one car from each team will try out the steel skid blocks on Friday in Barcelona to gather data. 

Should the information be positive, the FIA is believed to then be in favour of mandating steel skid blocks at circuits with grass, such as the Red Bull Ring, Silverstone, and Interlagos, whilst concrete tracks or street circuits would maintain the titanium blocks.