Vowles thinks that no F1 team will reach the minimum weight in 2026
Formula 1 teams will struggle to reach the minimum weight limit set in the 2026 regulations, believes James Vowles, team director of Williams.
The overhaul of the rules for 2026 will impact both the powertrain and chassis design, with an almost equal distribution of power between the internal combustion engine and the hybrid unit, which no longer includes the MGU-H mounted on the turbo. With a dependence on hybridization, powertrains will be heavier in 2026, although the chassis is expected to lose weight by being shorter. Aerodynamicists will also be able to experiment with active aero to improve on-track performance.
This should contribute to a weight reduction of 40 to 50 kg, James Vowles believes that teams will struggle to reach the minimum weight limit, like many teams at the beginning of the 2022 rules cycle. “I think in 2026 [Williams will be] in a reasonable situation [with the weight of the car],” Vowles explained in an interview with Autosport. He admitted that Williams was losing over 0.4 seconds per lap due to the additional weight.
« But even then, 2026 has very interesting regulations that reward weight in a way that no other championship does, because it’s such a low figure. I don’t think anyone can reach that. It’s unique. But even beyond that, we have to make sure we have a car onto which you can continuously add aerodynamic support in the wind tunnel at the right pace, so that it’s at a competitive level. That’s what you want. »
In addition to weight, Vowles talked about the need to modernize internal processes and invest in materials, which will streamline the construction of future cars produced at the Grove factory. « There is not one area of this business where I am satisfied that we are at the required level to be able to fight for a championship. Not one », he added. « It is a bold statement, but also a statement of truth. Weight is the one that everyone will now understand why we say we are on the right track, but we have a lot of things to address and correct. »
« I have said it from the beginning, we are open. We will be here and show you what we do and why it’s so difficult, and why Formula 1 is exceptional. The weight issue is just the one hitting us in the face today, but it’s not the main problem.
