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The FIA's Single-Seater Technical Director has laid out a strategy to slash nearly 70 kilograms from Formula 1 machinery in the upcoming regulatory cycle.
For the 2026 season, the minimum car weight limit has been set at 768 kg—a 30 kg drop from the 798 kg mark reached by the end of the ground-effect era in 2025. Over the preceding four-year spell, cars steadily gained bulk, driven primarily by 18-inch wheels, larger tyres, and an array of safety enhancements, including the mandatory halo cockpit protection system.
Looking beyond 2026, the sport is anticipated to shift away from current power unit architectures and potentially welcome back V8 engines as the foundation of hybrid setups. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has voiced hope that this fundamental revamp could become a reality by 2030 or 2031, with the ultimate goal of bringing overall car weight below the 700-kilogram threshold.
Key areas for car weight reduction
Speaking to The Race, Nikolas Tombazis broke down the specific technical areas expected to deliver these crucial weight savings.
"We are aiming to significantly reduce boost pressure. That lowers internal engine loads and allows for a smaller turbocharger," Tombazis explained. "We also plan to simplify the intake and exhaust manifolds considerably, as current power units feature an intricate maze of piping. Exhaust systems are currently tuned to precise lengths, so we intend to shorten and streamline them substantially."
Ditching heavy, large-capacity battery packs in favour of a revised V8 layout would offer further weight relief. Downsizing the wheels is also on the table, shedding critical unsprung mass. Lighter, more compact cars would consequently require less bulky aero surfaces and impact structures, creating a positive cascading effect across the entire chassis.
"When you add up everything on that list, we can comfortably drop below the 700-kilogram mark," Tombazis added. "We know we will encounter resistance on certain points during discussions and will have to make compromises. There will be cost concerns, but the target remains sub-700 kg. I believe this will make the cars considerably more agile and spectacular to watch."
Despite sweeping changes, in-race refuelling will not be making a comeback to Formula 1. The practice has remained banned since 2009 due to cost concerns, heightened safety risks, technical complexity, and the restriction of tactical variety during grands prix.
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