Photo Credit: Morio, 1996 Honda RC-F1 2.0X, wooden stepped flat bottom, Honda Collection Hall, Motegi, Japan, 16 July 2012. Edited/cropped. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. License
Photo Credit: Morio, 1996 Honda RC-F1 2.0X, wooden stepped flat bottom, Honda Collection Hall, Motegi, Japan, 16 July 2012. Edited/cropped. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. License – Original Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
The 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix was a harsh lesson for McLaren, the problem; Skid Block.
Both drivers of McLaren faced disqualification after post-race inspections revealed their cars’ skid blocks had worn beyond the legal limit.
Skid block, sometimes called ‘planks’ are crucial part of the car’s underbody, designed to prevent excessive floor wear and ensure safety while limiting how low a car can run.
According to FIA regulations, these skid blocks must maintain a minimum thickness of 9mm, with only 1mm of wear allowed during a race.
McLaren disqualification Las Vegas GP
The circumstances at the Las Vegas street circuit were far from typical.
Its bumpy surface amplified the phenomenon known as ‘porpoising’, the rapid vertical oscillation of a car at high speeds.
Porpoising increases stress on the car’s underbody, and in Las Vegas, it accelerated skid block wear to a level beyond the legal threshold.
Compounding the problem, McLaren had limited dry practice time on the unique street layout, leaving little room to perfect the car’s setup for these extreme conditions.
Skid Block: Why the Qatar GP Should Pose Less Risk
As F1 is heading to Qatar GP, attention shifts at the Lusail International Circuit, McLaren appears more confident.
Unlike the Las Vegas street track, Lusail is a purpose-built racing circuit known for its smooth asphalt and predictable surface.
The reduced bumps and more consistent track quality significantly decrease the likelihood of severe porpoising, meaning skid block wear should be far less of a concern for the British team.
Even with the Lusail track offering smoother conditions, McLaren is not leaving anything to chance.
The team is carefully analyzing data from Las Vegas and adjusting the overall setup to maintain compliance without compromising competitiveness.
These fine-tuned adjustments aim to keep the skid blocks within legal limits while ensuring that the car remains stable and competitive for the weekend.
Performance vs. Compliance: The Delicate Balance
Today’s cars rely heavily on ground effect, running the car as close as possible to the track maximizes this effect, improving overall grip.
In Las Vegas, McLaren’s cars were likely benefiting from a slightly lower ride height, which enhanced performance but ultimately breached the skid block regulations.
For Qatar, correcting the problem may involve raising the the ride height or softening the suspension.
Even minor adjustments can reduce ground effect efficiency, costing tenths of a second per lap.
McLaren’s Approach and Confidence
Despite the setback in Las Vegas, the team remains confident heading into the final round of 2025 season.
By identifying the root causes, McLaren will be able to fight at the front again for the next weekend, aiming to make sure they are in the battle for the title.
McLaren will approach setup decisions with caution, while aggressive kerbs could test the car’s suspension, the smoother asphalt and predictable nature of Lusail should prevent a repeat of the Las Vegas skid block problem.
QATAR GP
McLaren aims to keep both cars within limits while maintaining competitive, for fans and championship watchers, this is a critical step, avoiding penalties now could be decisive in the final races of the 2025 season.
F1 Skid Blocks Explained: What They Do and Why They Matter
