McLaren Disqualification: Was It Bad Luck or a 'Heat Trick'?
McLaren's dual disqualification at the Las Vegas GP due to excessive underfloor plank wear has ignited speculation. Reports suggest the FIA has been investigating a 'heat trick' involving expandable skid blocks used by multiple teams since the Brazilian GP. This technique allows cars to run lower for more grip without incurring wear penalties, raising questions about whether McLaren's issue was an accident or part of a more deliberate, now exposed, technical exploitation.
The disqualification of both McLarens in Las Vegas raises a contentious question: Was it truly just bad luck, or was there a technical trick at play that the FIA has known about for weeks?
After both McLaren cars were disqualified from the Las Vegas GP, a significant question has emerged: Was it merely excessive wear on a skid block under the floor, or is there a larger, underlying issue?
Formula 1 is experiencing one of its most controversial nights in years. First, both McLaren drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, were excluded from the Las Vegas GP results due to overly thin underfloor planks. Then, new information surfaced, prompting the question: Did McLaren intentionally exploit a grey area? In other words, was this just misfortune, or part of a deliberate trick?
Why it matters:
McLaren's disqualification for excessive plank wear, coupled with revelations of FIA investigations into 'heat tricks' on skid blocks by multiple teams, suggests a deeper technical controversy that could reshape perceptions of performance and fairness in Formula 1. This incident isn't just about lost points; it highlights the relentless pursuit of marginal gains and the potential for teams to operate in technical grey areas, forcing the FIA to tighten regulations.
The Details:
- FIA Investigation: According to Japanese media outlet as-web.jp, the FIA has been investigating illegal practices related to 'skid blocks' (underfloor wear protection) since the Brazilian GP. Several teams are suspected of using skid blocks designed to expand when heated.
- 'Heat Trick' Mechanism: When skid blocks are heated, they expand, causing them to sit deeper relative to the plank. This reduces wear on the underfloor, allowing teams to run their cars lower without risking disqualification. A lower ride height typically translates to more grip, increased downforce, and faster lap times.
- Rival Concerns: In Brazil, rival teams reportedly observed some cars running