The Las Vegas GP weekend began turbulently with the introduction of a technical directive targeting skid plate protections. The FIA introduced this measure, reportedly prompted by Red Bull, to address methods that limit skid plate wear. Ferrari, Mercedes, and Haas were among the first to come under scrutiny, though no evidence of wrongdoing has been found. The French manager directly addressed the directive and the alleged illegal skid on the Ferrari during his comments.
Speaking at Thursday’s press conference, Frederic Vasseur touched on various topics, from updates for 2025 to the weekend’s controversies, including the new technical directive that stirred debate in the Nevada paddock.
The directive aims to tighten checks on the skid plate under the car, which in race conditions must not wear down more than 1 millimeter of its 10-millimeter thickness. This wear occurs whenever cars scrape the asphalt due to aerodynamic load and the resulting low ride height.
Fred Vasseur confirms adjustments
When questioned during the Team Principals’ press conference in Las Vegas, Frederic Vasseur commented on the directive’s introduction. Also present were Toto Wolff and James Oakes, with Mercedes among those investigated for employing techniques to protect the skid plate. Frederic Vasseur’s remarks confirmed reports from *F1inGenerale* that Ferrari was not particularly concerned about the new directive.
“Yes, we had to make a change,” Frederic Vasseur calmly admitted. “But we also had prior confirmation from the FIA that the skid was legal. I think it was right for us not to fight this because I want to focus on the championship and not on these kinds of discussions. But the approach was strange.” These statements highlight the unusual timing of the directive’s introduction so late in the season.
Toto Wolff was slightly less composed in his response, admitting, “Yes, we also had to change the way we manage the floor.”
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