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McLaren Disqualification in Las Vegas: A Deep Dive into F1’s “Plank” Rule
McLaren’s disqualification from the Las Vegas Grand Prix, stripping both Lando Norris and oscar Piastri of their finishing positions, has ignited debate within Formula 1. The controversy centers around the wear of the cars’ “plank,” a critical component governing underbody aerodynamics and driver safety. This incident underscores the razor-thin margins and complex regulations that define the sport, and highlights the strategic risks teams take in pursuit of performance.
The Rule and the Violation
Following each race, FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer and his team meticulously inspect vehicles for compliance with technical regulations. In Las Vegas, both McLaren cars were found to have violated rules pertaining to the wear of the underfloor plank. The regulations stipulate a plank thickness between 9.8 and 10.2 millimeters when new, with a minimum acceptable thickness of 9 millimeters after the race, accounting for wear.
Measurements revealed important breaches for both drivers. Oscar Piastri’s car showed wear at three points – front left (8.96mm), front right (8.74mm), and rear right (8.90mm). Lando Norris’s car was measured at 8.88mm and 8.93mm at the right front and rear measuring points,respectively.These measurements triggered immediate disqualification, removing both cars from the official race results.
Beyond Wood: Understanding the Modern F1 Plank
Despite the past name, the modern Formula 1 plank is not made of wood. The term is a relic from a bygone era when wooden components were common. Today’s planks are constructed from glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP), adhering to a density specification between 1.3 and 1.65. To withstand the extreme forces and prevent excessive wear, the plank is reinforced with titanium plates, known as skids. These skids are the source of the sparks frequently enough seen when cars bottom out. It’s crucial to note that the plank refers specifically to the flat lower section of the underfloor; the rest of the aerodynamic underbody is composed of carbon fiber.
Measuring Wear: A Precise Science
The FIA regulations mandate four 50-millimeter holes in the plank, strategically positioned to measure wear. The precise location of these holes – one at the front, two in the middle, and one at the rear – ensures a representative assessment of the entire plank’s thickness. Given the rapid wear rate of GRP, teams are permitted to use titanium skids to protect the plank, but these skids must be flush with the plank’s surface.
The total area of these skids is limited to 240 square centimeters, with individual skids capped at 40 square centimeters (approximately 6.3 x 6.3 centimeters). Teams strategically position at least six skids around the measuring holes, typically two skids protecting the front and rear holes, and one skid each for the middle measuring points. Measurements are taken at each hole, nonetheless
