FIA Technical Directives Before Imola GP: Did They Change the Game?

Before the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, the FIA sent out a set of technical directives. These directives provided clarification on certain regulations, but no actual rule changes were made.

The focus was to specify materials allowed around the skid blocks and explain which tyre cooling methods would not be accepted. Most teams saw the timing of these clarifications as standard procedure during a busy race calendar.

One clarification focused on ground-effect cars. Since the 2022 aerodynamic regulations, teams have aimed to lower the car’s ride height as much as possible.

The FIA reminded teams that the floor and skid blocks must not wear down beyond the allowed limits, or they risk disqualification during the post-race inspection. The second clarification addressed tyre management.

There had been increasing discussion about how teams keep tyres cool, especially before qualifying runs and in the pit lane. The FIA reminded teams which devices and approaches cannot be used, closing off some creative ideas that had surfaced in recent paddock conversations.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and technical director Pierre Wache commented on how these clarifications might affect the competitive order at Imola. Competitors had raised questions about McLaren’s apparent improvements in managing rear tyre temperatures in recent races.

After Red Bull won in Miami, Max Verstappen remarked on McLaren’s strong rear tyre performance. But at Imola, McLaren did not show the same race pace, leading to speculation about whether the FIA’s directives played a role.

Andrea Stella, McLaren’s team principal, stated that nothing had changed for his team and said rival teams were focusing on the wrong details. To support that, Oscar Piastri’s car was checked following Miami, and FIA documents confirmed it met all regulations. Details of Piastri’s performance can be found in the Imola pole report.

Other teams echoed McLaren’s assessment, suggesting that the clarifications did not have a direct impact on the immediate pecking order for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. Max Verstappen was careful not to say Red Bull’s edge at Imola came from the latest directives.

He explained that Red Bull’s speed was likely due to high-speed corners on the circuit, which favor their car. He said, “It’s very track specific.”

Verstappen cited earlier wins in Japan (Suzuka) and Saudi Arabia (Jeddah) as further examples, noting the strong link between Red Bull’s competitive weekends and circuits with fast corners.

Looking ahead, the next few races will offer new challenges. In Monaco, slow-speed turns will present different problems for everyone.

Soon after, the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona will shine new light on the effects of FIA crackdown on flexi-wing regulations, especially at the front of the cars. This means teams are still adapting, and the search for performance continues as the season moves forward.

The technical directives before Imola were routine in their timing and purpose. While they prompted discussion, they did not bring sudden change to team performance or shake up the front of the field. The Imola qualifying session offered further insights into how teams coped with these clarifications.

Teams and fans alike are watching to see how the evolving regulations and car development will influence the 2025 Formula 1 championship as the action continues across Europe.