The FIA has introduced a new technical directive following complaints from Red Bull, which could potentially affect the performance of rival teams Ferrari and Mercedes during the Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend. The reigning world champion team is locked in a close constructors’ championship battle with Ferrari and McLaren, with only three races left in the 2024 season.
Currently, Red Bull is 49 points behind McLaren and 13 points behind Ferrari in the standings. According to Motorsport.com, Red Bull’s chances may see a significant boost due to the new directive, which bans the use of protective skid blocks on the car floors.
Previously, teams like Ferrari, Mercedes, and Haas utilized skid blocks to minimize wear on the planks of their cars. The issue gained attention during the 2023 US Grand Prix when Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes and Charles Leclerc of Ferrari were disqualified after the Stewards found excessive plank wear on their cars.
Red Bull reportedly raised concerns after observing that Ferrari had potentially exploited a loophole, using metal skid blocks to push beyond what the regulations intended. The FIA accepted Red Bull’s argument and issued the new directive, aiming to close this loophole before the Las Vegas race.
Ferrari’s Perspective Ahead of the Las Vegas GP
Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz expressed cautious optimism about the Las Vegas circuit, suggesting it might suit the Italian team better than championship leader McLaren due to its low downforce configuration. However, he acknowledged that challenges like tire management and temperature conditions could play a significant role. Speaking to F1.com, Sainz stated:
“I think looking at the layout of the track you would say yes, we should be competitive, or at least in the mix. When you feel the temperatures and you know how much we struggle sometimes switching on the tires this year and everything else, then definitely not. So there’s two factors – we’ll see how they clash with each other and who performs better this weekend.”
Sainz also noted that McLaren’s consistency in avoiding mistakes could still secure them the title, even if Ferrari finishes strong. He remarked that while Las Vegas may favor Ferrari, the remaining tracks, such as Qatar and Abu Dhabi, could play to McLaren’s strengths.
Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc highlighted the calm demeanor within the Ferrari team as they approach the final races of the season. He emphasized the team’s improved emotional resilience compared to previous years, saying:
“I think it’s very calm! Everybody’s very calm and this is a really good thing. I think it wasn’t like that a year or two years ago. The feeling was very, very different. We would get very excited or be affected a bit more by what was going on. Now it’s not the case anymore. I feel like we are a lot more solid as a team and we don’t really get emotionally high or low.”
Ferrari has four competitive sessions remaining to close the gap with McLaren and secure its first constructors’ championship in 16 years.