“IMPOSSIBLE” F1 2026 WEIGHT REDUCTION IS WHAT VERSTAPPEN WANT FOR FUN, AGILE CARS
Max Verstappen thinks “at least 100–150 kg” should be the minimum weight reduction for Formula 1 vehicles, as opposed to the 30 kg suggested reduction in 2026.
Two seasons before the Monaco Grand Prix, the FIA unveiled the new rules, which call for cars to be slightly slimmer and shorter than those of the present generation of vehicles.
That will result in a 30 kg weight reduction, which will be a welcome relief for drivers who have been pushing for lighter cars in recent years because their heavier competitors have proven to be less enjoyable to drive than their predecessors.
However, three-time world champion Verstappen is worried that it could cause problems for teams that are already having trouble meeting the minimum values and are forced to run overweight, which wastes lap time.
That will result in a 30 kg weight reduction, which will be a welcome relief for drivers who have been pushing for lighter cars in recent years because their heavier competitors have proven to be less enjoyable to drive than their predecessors.
However, three-time world champion Verstappen is worried that it could cause problems for teams that are already having trouble meeting the minimum values and are forced to run overweight, which wastes lap time.
He told Motorsport.com, “It’s going to be very tough with how everything is, but let’s see.”
“I mean, some teams are overweight even now, right? In order to lose even 30 kg, well, I know that sizes vary somewhat, but I’m not sure that 30 kg will be the ideal outcome.”
In response to a question about whether the reduction in size was sufficient to satisfy drivers’ desires and offer a more thrilling driving experience, Verstappen said, “You need at least 100–150 kg.” That is definitely not conceivable, given the current state of affairs. However, that has to deal with the engine as well, right? It is long, wide, and quite heavy due to the engine and battery. “Safety added a lot of weight, which is obviously good, but I’m sure that we can do things a little bit differently. Right now, it’s wishful thinking, but that is definitely what we need, to make it more agile and probably a bit more fun.” It is dependent upon the rules that you draft.”
“I mean, some teams are overweight even now, right? In order to lose even 30 kg, well, I know that sizes vary somewhat, but I’m not sure that 30 kg will be the ideal outcome.”
In response to a question about whether the reduction in size was sufficient to satisfy drivers’ desires and offer a more thrilling driving experience, Verstappen said, “You need at least 100–150 kg.” That is definitely not conceivable, given the current state of affairs. However, that has to deal with the engine as well, right? It is long, wide, and quite heavy due to the engine and battery. “Safety added a lot of weight, which is obviously good, but I’m sure that we can do things a little bit differently. Right now, it’s wishful thinking, but that is definitely what we need, to make it more agile and probably a bit more fun.” It is dependent upon the rules that you draft.”
The new cars will not have DRS because drivers will now have access to electronic override and active aerodynamics.
Verstappen commented on the override, saying, “I’m not sure how successful that will be. How successful that will be is something I haven’t yet witnessed.”
He laughed: “Maybe we need some bananas, and a red shell…”
Verstappen commented on the override, saying, “I’m not sure how successful that will be. How successful that will be is something I haven’t yet witnessed.”
He laughed: “Maybe we need some bananas, and a red shell…”
