FIA president wants to make Formula 1 cars lighter

FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem said the federation will ensure that the weight of Formula 1 cars is reduced for the next set of technical regulations to come into effect, due for the start of the 2026 season.

The rules for the drive systems that will be in place from 2026 onwards have already been agreed and now the subject of the chassis is being discussed. Bin Sulayem, who is a former rally driver, has announced that he wants cars to become lighter.

“I have competed in the rallies. I’ll drive anything but a heavy car! This has always bothered me – explained Bin Sulayem in an interview with Motorsport Total. “It’s always better when the cars are lighter and I know very well what I’m talking about.”

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The increase in weight of Formula 1 cars in recent decades has been impressive. In 2001, the minimum car weight was almost 1 200 pounds, and for the 2023 season it is close to 1 500 pounds. Many experts are of the opinion that weight reduction will only be possible if the dimensions of the cars are also reduced. Which in itself is also a great idea.

“I have already spoken to my team at the FIA,” explained Bin Sulayem. – We want lighter cars and better sound from drive systems. That depends only on the FIA. If Stefano Domenicali (CEO of F1) wants that too, great, we’ll figure it out. But the FIA has to decide that. We will put it in the rules. Not because FOM or any team wants it. And because this is the right decision for the sport.”