F1 to Ditch Titanium Sparks at Tracks Prone to Fires

F1 plans to swap titanium for steel skid plates at grassy circuits to curb fire risks sparked by low-riding cars.

Formula 1 is preparing to make a key change to its cars in a bid to prevent grass fires at future Grands Prix. The sport is looking to replace the titanium skid plates—famous for creating dramatic sparks—with steel alternatives at select tracks for the rest of the 2025 season.

This move comes after a series of grass fires disrupted the Japanese Grand Prix weekend. Sparks from the cars ignited dry grass around the Suzuka circuit, causing no less than five red flags during practice and qualifying, despite precautions like watering and mowing the grass.

Although rain overnight helped prevent issues on race day, similar incidents also occurred earlier this year in China, raising broader safety concerns.

A post-race investigation by the FIA found that the titanium shards, which break off when the car bottoms out, stay hot for long enough to ignite dry grass when they land. And with teams running lower ride heights this year to maximize performance, sparks—and their associated risks—are more frequent.

To address the issue, the FIA has proposed a switch to steel skid plates at circuits where grass fires are a higher risk. Steel still produces sparks but burns cooler and its fragments cool down faster, making them far less likely to start fires.

This plan is set to be voted on at the upcoming F1 Commission meeting. If approved, the season will be split: some races will allow titanium, while others will mandate steel—based on the layout and surroundings of the track.

This measured approach aims to balance performance with safety, as F1 continues to innovate both on and off the track.

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F1 to Ditch Titanium Sparks at Tracks Prone to Fires F1 to Ditch Titanium Sparks at Tracks Prone to Fires