F1 minimum weight increased to protect drivers’ health
The FIA will increase the minimum weight of F1 single-seaters to 800 kg by 2025, raising that of drivers from 80 kg to 82 kg for reasons of health and fairness. This decision aims to improve conditions for taller drivers and ensure fairer competition.
During the last meeting of the F1 Commission, several modifications were made to the championship, including an increase in the minimum weight of the cars for the 2025 season. This modification follows concerns about health and fairness in motor racing.
A justified increase
Initially, the regulation stipulated that the minimum weight of the single-seaters for 2025 would be 798 kg, exactly like that of the cars in the current season. Now, after a rule change, the minimum weight of Formula 1 drivers has increased from 80 kg to 82 kg, a modification made in the interest of the well-being of the drivers, according to the FIA and because of the new clothes uses in case of hot conditions that wear the drivers.
This modification will result in an increase in the minimum weight of F1 cars, which will go from 798 kg to 800 kg starting in 2025. The weight rule, which some do not understand the value of, was introduced in 2019 to prevent smaller and lighter drivers from having an advantage over other drivers of different builds by gaining weight on their vehicle.
This temporary solution is therefore a question of fairness for the FIA, which intends to ensure a championship accessible to all teams. According to the FIA, the 80 kg limit, while being a step forward, still does not represent a fair solution for everyone, especially for taller drivers. Even though the majority of current F1 drivers already weigh less than 80 kg, with the difference being compensated for by ballast, the difference is still there.
A championship that is not accessible to everyone
Formula 1 drivers, known for their physical abilities that make them high-level athletes, are strongly limited by the current regulations. Taller drivers, such as Esteban Ocon or Alexander Albon, are often subjected to strict diets to fit within the limits set by the federation. These measures can be both dangerous and a hindrance to the physical abilities they can achieve.
To ensure the safety of all drivers, the Federation has therefore decided to increase the minimum weight they must reach. This measure will also allow those who were previously penalized to more easily comply with the rules. Teams, who had to take into account the physical attributes of drivers up to now, will also be able to open their doors to a wider range.
