P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The World Endurance Championship has implemented a new rule which Max Verstappen has been among those calling for, and could help keep drivers healthy. Here, we explain the new rule on driver weight ballast
In the Hypercar era, drivers’ weight is now considered, with ballast being added based on the lineup’s average weight, a rule supported by drivers like Max Verstappen. The new regulation requires a minimum average weight of 82kgs for driver line-ups, preventing teams from favoring lighter drivers for performance gains. The rule aims to promote inclusivity in motorsport, ensuring competition is based on talent rather than physical attributes. Despite the previous existence of a similar rule in 2015, it had vanished by the time the Hypercar class debuted in 2021. There have been concerns about driver weight disparities affecting team strategies and individual health, prompting calls for fairer regulations in endurance racing. Ferrari’s James Calado and other drivers have highlighted the challenges they face due to weight differences, emphasizing the need for equal opportunities in competitive racing.
