Formula 1 teams will run a revised skid block at the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix as the FIA looks to address safety concerns after sparks ignited grass fires in Japan.
Back in April, the governing body was forced to call multiple red flags in the Free Practice sessions at Suzuka, as the standard titanium skid blocks ignited the dry grass that surrounded the track.
With teams being able to run its cars closer to the ground this season, adding to the number of sparks created, the FIA has felt the need to step in and prevent further issues in 2025.
A proposed switch to steel skid blocks has been tabled, with tests set to begin this weekend.
The idea is that steel does not reach the high temperatures that titanium does; therefore, it is less likely to cause fires when sparks land on the surrounding grass.
Circuits like Silverstone, the Red Bull Ring and Circuit Gilles Villeneuve are among the venues where the proposed steel skid blocks could be introduced if the trial proves successful.
The following countries would continue to use titanium: Azerbaijan, Singapore, Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
The proposed change, introduced at the recent F1 Commission meeting, was met with little enthusiasm and widespread resistance.
Concerns over added weight and accelerated skid block wear have fueled doubts about the effectiveness of the proposed technical change.
If approved, it could force teams to raise the ride height, which could significantly impact the course of both championships.
Despite proposals to spray grass with water or fire retardant at certain venues, the FIA remains determined to proceed with its skid block trials, scheduled for Friday’s practice sessions.
With a detailed plan still to be unveiled, it’s expected that one car per team will run the steel skid blocks, with the results determining whether the governing body makes them mandatory going forward.
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