Ferrari SF-24 Halo cockpit cover – HP/blue livery. May 2, 2024. Formula 1 World Championship, Round 6, Miami Grand Prix, Miami, Florida, USA, Preparation Day.
The International Automobile Federation (FIA) is moving forward with its plans to reduce the weight of Formula 1 cars by 2026, as it has initiated a new bidding process for a modified and lighter “halo” device.
For the 2026 season, significant technical changes will be implemented in engine and chassis regulations, including a notable shift to active aerodynamics. However, the FIA has been emphatic about its intention to reduce the weight of cars, which has increased from 691kg in 2014 to 798kg in 2022 with current models.
Nikolas Tombazis, FIA’s single-seater director, previously stated that the research team working on the regulations aims to “reduce the weight limit by 40 to 50 kilograms in 2026.”
As part of this initiative, the FIA is now inviting manufacturers to submit proposals to become the designated supplier of the halo device that teams will use between 2026 and 2030.
The bidding document specifies that the updated halo, made of titanium alloy, must weigh over 6kg, indicating that the FIA is aiming for a reduction of up to one kilogram. Similar to the current design, which weighs 8kg, the new halo from the chosen supplier must undergo three static tests, supporting forces of up to 125 kilonewtons.
Despite initially dividing opinions when introduced as an FIA safety device in 2018, the halo has been credited with saving the lives of several drivers. For example, Charles Leclerc’s car had tire marks on the halo after Fernando Alonso’s McLaren ran over him in turn 1 during the 2018 Belgian Grand Prix. Additionally, Romain Grosjean suffered burns to his hands but survived a massive crash at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix when his Haas VF-20 split in half.
In addition to a lighter halo, next-generation cars will also be lighter due to a reduced wheelbase, which will be less than the current 3600mm, and a narrower width of 10cm.
However, Formula 1 will continue to use 18-inch wheels, despite Pirelli’s opposition to a return to 16-inch wheels as part of the series’ major overhaul.
