Technical Directives and Their Effect on Racing Teams
In the run-up to the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, the FIA issued some clarifications through technical directives. These aren’t changes to the regulations per se, but rather explanations of what the rules entail and their intended purposes. Let’s delve into these clarifications and understand their potential impact on team performance.
Materials Around Skid Blocks and Their Mounting
The first clarification pertains to the materials used around skid blocks and their mounting. This is crucial, given the current ground-effect cars, as teams aim to lower the ride height as much as possible. However, the floor cannot be excessively worn, as it must still pass the FIA’s technical inspection, which is measured at the skid block areas.
Cooling Devices and Methods
The second clarification concerns cooling devices and methods used to keep tyres as cool as possible. In response to queries from another team, the FIA has clarified which methods are not allowed. This could potentially affect teams’ strategies for managing tyre temperatures during races.
Red Bull has been particularly attentive to McLaren in recent weeks, with Max Verstappen expressing concerns about ‘s rear tyre management during the Miami Grand Prix. However, maintains that nothing has changed for their team.
The Impact on Team Performance
The clarifications issued by the FIA could have significant implications for racing teams, particularly in terms of car setup and strategy. Teams will need to adapt to these changes quickly to maintain competitiveness.
Red Bull’s performance at Imola was largely attributed to the track layout, with Max Verstappen suggesting that the team’s strength lies in high-speed tracks. However, the Dutchman remains cautious about drawing far-reaching conclusions, acknowledging that each track presents unique challenges.
The upcoming Spanish Grand Prix will serve as an interesting test, given the FIA’s plans to further clamp down on flexi wings, particularly the front wings. This could potentially level the playing field and shake up the pecking order among teams.
