Every F1 team set to make 'radical change' to one car at Spanish Grand Prix in FIA test
A major change is planned for Spain.
Every Formula 1 team is set to make a 'radical change' to just one of their cars during the Spanish Grand Prix as part of an FIA initiative.
McLaren's Oscar Piastri holds a slender lead in the Drivers' Championship heading into Barcelona, with the Australian three points ahead of team-mate Lando Norris.
McLaren have won six out of the eight Grands Prix so far this season, with Red Bull's Max Verstappen topping the podium in Japan and Imola.
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Ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, however, the FIA have brought in a brand new directive that could benefit certain teams on the grid.
They have decided to change the current front wing regulations, with the new directive meaning that the amount of permitted flex under load will be further restricted.
Article 3.15.4 of the sport's technical regulations now state that the flap areas of the front wing must now deflect under load by no more than 10mm - reduced from 15mm previously.
It is unclear as to which teams will be affected by the new directive, though Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has claimed that Ferrari are likely to move closer to McLaren and Red Bull.
Meanwhile, each of the 10 F1 teams will each take part in a test on Friday practice as the FIA look to make another major change.
One driver from each team will test brand-new steel skid blocks during the first practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya.
The skid blocks are part of the car's underfloor, and the FIA want to prevent a repeat of incidents at the Japanese Grand Prix, when the existing titanium skid blocks caused grass fires by the side of the circuit.
Multiple red flags across practice and qualifying sessions at Suzuka were deployed due to grass fires, which were believed to have been caused by sparks coming from the underfloor caused by skid blocks.
Formula Aerodynamics claim that there has been 'pushback' from some teams, due to concerns over added weight, faster wear and ride height issues.
But it is added that, should the trial be successful, steel skid blocks could be made mandatory at grass-lined circuits to prevent the risk of fire.
They include the British Grand Prix and Belgian Grand Prix later this year, as well as the Italian Grand Prix at Monza and the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos.
Ryan Smart