Formula 1

Ferrari admits it will have to tinker with the floorboards to comply with FIA's directive in Belgium

Without talking specifically about flexibility, Mattia Binotto told Sky Sports that Ferrari will need to make updates to the floor to comply with the FIA's technical directive, which will take effect from the Belgian GP

The controversy surrounding the metric that the FIA (International Automobile Federation) wants to implement in Formula 1 to contain the pitching of cars at high speeds has put Red Bull and Ferrari in check because of floors that are supposedly more flexible than normal. But while the Taurinos shrug their shoulders and assure that they have "zero concerns" about this, the Maranello team already understands that they will have to make changes to the F1-75 floor for the Belgian GP.

Shortly before the session that set the starting grid for the sprint race in Austria, the FIA issued a statement via social networks saying that the application of the metric to control porpoising would be done this weekend at Spa-Francorchamps, and no longer in France. According to the text, the teams received a draft of the technical directive before the British GP and will now have until Belgium to promote updates to the floor, if necessary.

Even without talking directly about flexibility, Ferrari has confirmed that it will tinker with the floor for Belgium (Photo: AFP)

To Sky Sports, Mattia Binotto confirmed that the Italian team will need to tinker with the part, but did not give details about the supposed flexibility beyond what is allowed. "On the floorboard, some changes will be necessary, as a new clarification has been issued, new tests, new requirements, new specifications. We will need some time to do that," declared the Italian.

"At least it's good to be calm about it until Belgium, since, not being an issue, there is no need to rush," he added.

The Maranello boss followed rival Christian Horner's speech and also questioned the need for the metric to be applied, since the cars didn't jump as much at Silverstone and are also proving more stable in the activities in Austria. "It doesn't seem to be an issue anymore. It wasn't at Silverstone anymore, and it hasn't been here for any of us."

"I'm sure it won't be for the next two races. Again, we are getting over that discussion, what about the FIA? Was there really a need to release technical directives? They did that first in Canada, but they didn't follow the process correctly. After they reviewed it, the discussion started in the Technical Advisory Committee. New discussions will take place there again next week for this to be adjusted," Binotto concluded.