Charles Leclerc has dismissed McLaren boss Andrea Stella’s claims that the FIA is seeking a rule change to determine plank thickness in Formula 1.
McLaren suffered extreme porpoising last weekend in the Las Vegas Grand Prix, culminating in excessive plank wear that saw both drivers excluded.
In the lead-up to this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix, Stella hinted the sport’s governing body is looking at an alternative way of scrutineering this issue.
“We verified together with the technical delegate, that the measurement of the skid thickness was correct,” Stella said.
“Even if the excessive wear is relatively minor and in only one location, [as it was 0.12 mm for Lando and 0.26 mm for Oscar], the regulation is very clear that the rear skids need to be at least 9mm at the end of the race in every location.
“Unlike sporting or financial rules – there is no proportionality in the application of penalties for technical regulation infringements.”
Ferrari suffered a similar issue in China when Lewis Hamilton, a day after his Sprint victory in Shanghai, was disqualified for the same problem.
But the Brit’s team-mate Leclerc, speaking ahead of the race in Losail, believes that there is clarity in the current structure and that it shouldn’t be altered.
“There needs to be black and white rules and those rules need to be respected,” he told media including Motorsport Week.
“So yeah, I don’t think there’s much to speak about that, to be honest.
“It’s a very tricky rule because, to be honest, it’s not like I’m sure none of the teams here are targeting to be illegal. You just try to be on the limit.
“And with those things, a small change of wind or a track like Vegas, which is quite bumpy in some places, can add a lot of things that are very difficult to calculate and to take into account when you set up the car.
“So it makes it very difficult. However, you’ve got to have a rule. So yeah, I wouldn’t relax it or take it off.”
Antonelli predicts 2026 will see less plank wear
Andrea Kimi Antonelli was also one driver who was probed on Thursday about the McLaren situation, and voiced a similar view to that of Leclerc.
The Mercedes driver stated his belief that next year’s regulations, with the reduction in ground effect on the cars, will render the problem less likely.
“So, obviously, you need to set a limit, he stated. “And if you go above or beyond the limit, of course, you’re gaining an advantage. And that’s probably why you get a penalty.
“I mean, also, I remember Mercedes, I think it was Austin 2023, they had the same issue with the plank. And they got disqualified. And, you know, of course, sometimes you have external circumstances, like, you know, McLaren might have said that they had a more proper thing than they expected. And, you know, that’s lucky, of course.
“But, a rule is the rule, and it’s what it is. But I think next year we’re not going to have as much of an issue with the new regulations.”
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