While F1’s engine regulations from 2026 are set in stone, the chassis rules are far from being finalised as series bosses weigh up the direction they want to see things go.
But one key area that F1 and the FIA are in agreement over is that efforts must be made to reduce the weight of the cars, which are heavier now than they have ever been.
For this season, the minimum car weight has been set at 798 kilogrammes, which is more than 200kg heavier than they were back in 2008 prior to the introduction of batteries, energy recovery systems and modern-day safety systems.
The switch to turbo hybrid engines in 2014 led to the minimum weight increasing to 691kg, with the addition of the halo and further improved safety structures prompting a rise to around 740kg by 2019.
But the new ground effects cars in 2022, with bigger wheels and different aerodynamics, triggered a dramatic jump up to the current 798kg level.
As F1 prepares for its next rules cycle in 2026, when new power unit regulations come into play, both the FIA and F1’s commercial rights holder see an opportunity to change things.
Speaking exclusively to Autosport about plans for the future, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “One thing I would like to see is very clear, we need a lighter car.
Source: Autosport