The new minimum car weight for Formula 1 in 2026 is 768kg, a significant reduction from the current 800kg limit. This change was achieved by decreasing the size of the cars, including a cut in wheelbase and width, along with the introduction of narrower tires by Pirelli.
The FIA aims to further reduce car weight to enhance the racing spectacle and manage costs, leading to discussions about simplifying the engine formula for the future. However, the upcoming shift towards more electric power will result in heavier batteries, posing a challenge for teams to meet the aggressive weight targets.
Teams realize that being close to the weight limit can significantly impact performance on the track, with every 10kg affecting lap times by about three tenths per second. Red Bull’s Christian Horner and Mercedes’ Toto Wolff acknowledge the difficulties in achieving the new weight limit but support the overall goal of making cars more nimble.
Alpine’s David Sanchez and Haas’ Ayao Komatsu recognize the 768kg limit as both “very aggressive” and a potential performance differentiator, requiring costly development efforts. Red Bull’s Paul Monaghan emphasizes the immense challenge in designing a car that meets the strict weight requirements, highlighting the crucial design choices that will shape the success of teams in the upcoming F1 era.
