F1 Announces Major Weight Reduction Target

Mark Sutton - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images

F1 Announces Major Weight Reduction Target

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Faizan Mirza | Last updated Jun 13, 2026 9:09 AM ET

The FIA has announced ambitious plans to make Formula 1 cars lighter over the next 10 years, which could herald a major change in the future of Formula 1. The proposal, led by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, seeks to tackle the current concerns of the modern F1 engines becoming too big and heavier than the previous generations.

The minimum weight of current Formula 1 cars is 768kg, which has been steadily raised as a result of hybrid power units, bigger safety structures, and more technology. These advances have made the cars safer and more efficient, but have led many drivers and fans to believe that the weight has taken a toll on agility and wheel-to-wheel racing.

The FIA's future plan is to make the minimum weight even lower by 2031 – one of the most significant technical changes in the sport's modern history.

FIA Pushes for a Return To Lighter, More Agile Cars

Ben Sulayem has spoken a number of times about the necessity of making Formula 1 cars smaller, lighter, and more exciting to drive. The FIA chief feels that lighter cars would have better handling and make racing more dynamic, and would also help teams to concentrate on efficiency instead of just coping with heavier cars.

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Over the years, the topic has been supported by a number of drivers. Max Verstappen has often complained about the weight of Formula 1 cars, saying they are too heavy to be fun to drive. Lewis Hamilton has also commented on the difficulties of driving heavier vehicles, especially on tracks where tyre wear and braking are key.

If the teams like Red Bull, Ferrari, Mercedes, and McLaren are to achieve such a drastic reduction, then they'll need to do some serious engineering innovation. If the FIA's goal is to be achieved, then the chassis design, power unit packaging, and a lot more would have to be rethought.

What It Could Mean for Formula 1's Future

The plan could have a huge effect on the next generation of Formula 1 talent, such as Mercedes sensation Kimi Antonelli, who has already been one of the sport's brightest talents. When the 2031 goal is reached, Antonelli may be one of the beneficiaries of a whole new class of F1 cars.

Kimi Antonelli gets emotional after winning the 2026 F1 Chinese Grand Prix.Mark Sutton - Formula 1 via Getty Images

The plan is still a long-term goal and not a confirmed change in the regulations, but it does show the FIA's intent to influence the future course of Formula 1. Lighter cars are going to be one of the most important debates of the next generation of technical regulations, as teams work towards the next phase of that.

The message from the FIA for now is that the future of F1 might not only be faster, but much lighter.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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