FIA Technical Directives Issued Before Imola: Did They Impact Performance?

The FIA issued technical directives (TD) before the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix to clarify existing regulations, focusing on:

• Skid block materials and mounting: Crucial for ground-effect cars maintaining low ride heights.
• Tyre cooling methods: Defining prohibited practices.

Impact on Performance?

Following Max Verstappen's questions about McLaren's tyre practices in Miami, Red Bull's Christian Horner noted McLaren's "lack of performance" at Imola. Red Bull's Technical Director, Pierre Wache, suggested McLaren's upgrades were less impactful than perceived.

However, McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella dismissed the TDs as a factor, stating rivals were "focusing on the wrong things." McLaren confirmed no changes were made to their car and it passed FIA checks post-Miami.

Track-Specific Strengths and Future Tests

Verstappen attributed Red Bull's Imola strength to the track's high-speed corners, a pattern observed in Suzuka and Jeddah. He noted Red Bull struggles more on tracks with slow corners like Bahrain and Miami.

The Spanish Grand Prix will be a significant test, especially as the FIA plans to increase scrutiny on flexible wings, particularly front wings.