Formulation 1 groups are dealing with an “huge problem” to make sure their new vehicles are gentle sufficient to fulfill the minimal weight restrict for 2026, in keeping with Pink Bull boss Christian Horner.
F1 will swap to extra agile and nimble vehicles subsequent yr as a part of a serious regulation overhaul, partly undoing a collection of modifications which have made grand prix equipment heavier than ever earlier than.
The FIA has laid out a brand new minimal weight restrict of 768kg for these next-gen vehicles, which represents an enormous reduce from the present machines that weigh 800kg.
That’s regardless of the introduction of extra subtle and complex hybrid energy models, together with greater batteries, which might be a lot heavier than the already hefty engines of in the present day.
Talking on this matter, Horner joked the rulemakers had randomly give you a minimal weight restrict for 2026, earlier than including that hitting that quantity might find yourself being a pricey endeavour for groups.
“A quantity was plucked out of the air for automotive weight,” he mentioned within the Miami press convention.
“We’ve bought engines which can be considerably heavier and a automotive weight that has grow to be decrease. So it will likely be an infinite problem for each workforce to realize it. Saving weight prices a colossal amount of cash.
“There was a dialogue final week about introducing metal skids – possibly that might warrant including 5 kilos to the minimal weight. However it’s what it’s. It’s the identical for everyone.
“There might be decisions groups make to hit the load as a result of weight is free lap time. Each 10 kilos is about 0.35 seconds. It is going to be very difficult for all groups to get right down to minimal weight.”
Earlier than the introduction of hybrid engines in 2014, F1 vehicles used to weigh round 650kg, however the weight has progressively gone up during the last decade resulting from improved security requirements, heavier energy models and wider chassis.
A variety of groups needed to resort to excessive measures to fulfill the load restrict final yr, with many squads going so far as peeling paint off their vehicles.
Alpine, specifically, struggled for efficiency firstly of the 2024 season resulting from an chubby automotive – with solely upgrades later within the yr serving to the French producer grow to be a semi-regular point-scorer.
Mercedes chief Toto Wolff mentioned groups might need to make sure trade-offs whereas designing their vehicles for subsequent guidelines.
“Like Christian mentioned, you make decisions as a workforce,” he defined. “How a lot lap time do you attribute to weight and ballast? The place do you need to save? You could compromise different efficiency elements if you wish to cut back your weight or the alternative.
“It’s difficult. The explanation we’re doing it’s to make the vehicles extra nimble. Is that one thing that was essential? I feel it was. We’ve bought to begin someplace. That preliminary step is tough, however it’s the identical for everybody.”
