P1racenews AI automatic summary:
FIA wants to avoid weight “haggling” with F1 2026 rules
One criticism of current ground effect machines is their excessive weight, with the minimum weight limit being set at 798kg, which is significantly higher than the 585kg weight of cars in 2008. The increase in weight can be attributed to the use of hybrid power units with heavy batteries, as well as additional safety measures like impact protection structures and the Halo. The FIA wants to avoid further increases in the minimum weight limit by declaring a weight limit for the start of the new rules cycle in 2026 and sticking to it. The FIA’s head of single seater matters, Nikolas Tombazis, emphasized that once the weight limit is set, it will not be allowed to increase even if teams struggle to meet it. Although there have been discussions about eliminating the minimum weight limit, the FIA believes that doing so could lead to a never-ending battle of reducing weight and potential unforeseen consequences. Therefore, a weight limit for 2026 will be set and maintained, even if some teams may be overweight.
