Image link from NSF forum.
Originally leaked on X (I think), then posted to the SpaceXLounge subreddit by u/mehelponow
this post was submitted on 16 Jan 2025
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Wasn't this flight the one where SpaceX intentionally removed a bunch of heat shield tiles?
Yes. Doesn't seem to working out if this picture is what OP claims. But if that's the case, I don't understand why they removed even more tiles on the Flight 7 ship.
I think this is all coming from the flap hinges. The hotspots on the leeward part are sparks from the sides. They fall that direction since the re-entry is applying some drag.
The intentionally missing tiles were just on the engine skirt section IIRC. So this isn't necessarily a problem with the main heat shield. The V2 flap design might mitigate it completely. We can't really say much from just one (alleged) image.
Edit: The IFT7 stream stated SN33 has missing tiles spread over the entire heat shield this time.
Edit2: Not going to see anything from IFT7 re-entry.