Tombasis: The minimum weight of cars will remain in place in 2026

We already talked about the fact that the new generation of cars, which Formula 1 will switch to in 2026, will become lighter and quoted the words of Nicholas Tombasis, FIA director for single-seater racing.

It is worth delving deeper into the problem of the weight of cars, which has been constantly increasing in recent decades. The FIA ​​​​plans to take decisive action and this will be significantly scaled back in 2026. Australian publication Speedcafe did some research into the matter and also quoted Tombasis, who explained what measures would be taken.

Currently, the minimum weight of cars is determined by current regulations and is equal to 796 kg, which is 40 kg more than in 2021. Formula 1 cars have never been so heavy in the history of the World Championship. But this is due to several factors: hybrid power plants weigh a lot, and it was also important to make the chassis stronger, this was required by modern safety standards.

Before switching to such power plants, the cars weighed only 642 kg. You can also remember the racing equipment of the 80s and early 90s – then the weight of the cars did not exceed 500 kg.

However, crash test requirements gradually became more stringent and, accordingly, the chassis elements and systems that absorb energy in collisions became stronger and heavier, which also led to an increase in the minimum weight. As a result, the current generation of cars has become too heavy and less maneuverable, and some drivers don’t enjoy driving them much.

At the same time, Formula 1 technology is still among the leaders in world motorsport in terms of speed, and solving the problem of reducing weight without compromising safety is not so easy.

“Since Lewis Hamilton made his debut in the championship in 2007, the cars have become around 150 kg heavier,” admits Tombasis. “This is largely due to the weight of the power plant and all its electrical components.

We believe that we cannot return to naturally aspirated engines, even though this is what motorsport enthusiasts want and we understand them. But the reality is that we must take a responsible attitude towards what is happening on our planet. The second consideration is safety, the third factor is related to technical complexity, the fourth is related to geometric parameters.

As cars became wider and their wheels larger, their weight increased significantly over the years. We now believe that we can reduce this by 40/50 kg by 2026. This is a difficult task, but we believe it can be solved.

It has been discussed more than once whether such a parameter as a minimum weight is necessary at all. But we believe that giving it up completely will lead to an endless struggle to lose weight, and this will have unpredictable consequences.

That is why the minimum weight will remain in place in 2026, after which we will no longer change it. We are not going to give in to the constant urge to gain a few more kilos when some electronic components are added or the tires become heavier. I believe some teams’ cars will be a bit overweight in 2026…”