Scuderia Ferrari’s team boss, Frederic Vasseur, disclosed that the Maranello team faced a budget cap setback after being compelled by the FIA to modify the skid block on its Formula 1 car.
Just before the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the FIA issued a technical directive requiring multiple teams to revise the skid blocks on their cars. These skid blocks were used to shield the plank beneath the car, enabling teams to operate at a lower ride height, thereby enhancing aerodynamic efficiency.
Although initially deemed compliant by the FIA, the use of these satellite skid blocks was outlawed following complaints from Red Bull, which argued that certain teams were exploiting the regulations. Ferrari was among the teams forced to implement changes. While the adjustments ultimately did not affect Ferrari’s performance in Las Vegas, the French manager revealed that the modifications imposed additional financial pressures on the Maranello team: “It’s true that the TD came very late because we received the TD last Friday, one week before the quali. But it is like it is. It’s not an excuse for [performance], it’s two separate things.” – the Ferrari team principal explained in an interview following the Las Vegas round.
When asked to elaborate on the impact of the technical directive on Ferrari, Frederic Vasseur explained that it had significant financial implications, as the team had to completely redesign all the skids.
Scuderia Ferrari ended the season narrowly behind McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship, falling short by just 14 points. The funds redirected to replacing its skid blocks might have come at the expense of pursuing crucial performance upgrades—potentially the difference in a closely contested battle for position.
Ferrari challenges FIA’s handling of skid block directive
Speaking during the Teams’ press conference in Las Vegas, Frederic Vasseur confirmed that Ferrari was among the teams compelled to implement the mandated changes. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the FIA’s approach to enforcing the ruling: “Yes, we had to make the change. But we had also the confirmation before this that the plank was legal, that from the FIA.” – the French manager pointed out a few weeks ago.
While Frederic Vasseur found the timing of the technical directive intriguing, his primary focus in Nevada remained fixed on the pressing issue at hand: Ferrari’s ultimately unsuccessful effort to overtake McLaren in the battle for the Constructors’ Championship: “I think it was the right attitude for us not to fight because I want to stay focused on the championship and not on this kind of discussion. But the approach was strange” – the Ferrari team boss added.
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