The FIA begins testing steel skid blocks in Spain to tackle fire risks caused by sparks igniting dry grass at several circuits.
Formula 1 teams will run revised skid blocks under their floors at the Spanish Grand Prix, as the FIA seeks to address safety concerns after sparks caused grass fires in Japan.
Last April, the governing body was forced to intervene multiple times during free practice in Suzuka, as the standard titanium skid blocks ignited dry grass surrounding the track.
With teams able to run closer to the ground this season—thus generating more sparks—the FIA deemed action necessary to prevent further issues in 2025.
A proposal to replace the protective skid blocks with steel versions has been introduced, with testing scheduled to begin this weekend.
Steel does not reach the same high temperatures as titanium, making it less likely to start fires when sparks land on surrounding grass.
Circuits such as Silverstone, the Red Bull Ring, and the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve are among those where the proposed steel skid blocks could be implemented if the trial proves successful.
The following countries would continue to use titanium: Azerbaijan, Singapore, Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.
However, the proposed change, presented at the recent F1 Commission meeting, was met with little enthusiasm and significant resistance.
Concerns over additional weight and accelerated wear of the blocks have fueled doubts about the effectiveness of the proposed technical adjustment.
If approved, it could force teams to raise their ride height, potentially having a notable impact on performance.
Despite proposals to spray grass with water or fire-retardant products at certain circuits, the FIA remains committed to continuing its skid block trials, scheduled for Friday’s practice sessions.
As the detailed plan has not yet been disclosed, it is expected that one car per team will use the steel skid blocks, with the results determining whether the governing body will mandate them in the future.
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