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Ferrari Faces Budget Strain from FIA’s Technical Directive

Ferrari has reported a financial impact due to the recent technical directive issued by the FIA regarding skid blocks ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. This intervention, aimed at regulating the use of satellite skid blocks designed to protect the underfloor plank, prompted a swift response from several teams to ensure compliance with the updated regulations.

The FIA’s directive required immediate adjustments to cars, resulting in a rush for teams to modify their vehicles. Although the mandated changes are not expected to significantly alter the competitive landscape, the urgency of the situation has imposed logistical challenges on various teams, particularly affecting their budgets.

Team Principal Fred Vasseur expressed his dissatisfaction with the timing of the FIA’s directive, describing the situation as peculiar. He commented, “We had to make the change, but we had also the confirmation before this that the plank was legal, that from the FIA,” indicating that the team had believed their previous setup was compliant.

Vasseur emphasized the importance of focusing on the championship rather than potential disputes about the regulations, but he did not shy away from labeling the situation as “strange.” He elaborated, stating, “It’s true that the TD came very late because we received the TD last Friday, one week before the quali. This is a bit tough.”

Despite acknowledging the unexpected expenses incurred from the late directive—particularly in terms of reengineering the skid blocks—Vasseur maintained that it should not be viewed as an excuse for Ferrari’s performance at the Grand Prix. Instead, he attributed the team’s challenges at Las Vegas to tyre management issues rather than the recent changes mandated by the FIA.

When further questioned about the financial ramifications, Vasseur confirmed that the modifications did significantly strain their budget, noting, “In terms of budget? Yes, a lot, because we had to redo all the skids.”

Ultimately, despite the challenges posed by the regulatory changes, Ferrari demonstrated solid performance during the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with Carlos Sainz securing third place and Charles Leclerc finishing fourth.

Source
www.autosport.com