Max Verstappen, the Red Bull Racing driver, expressed his belief that the 2026 Formula 1 regulations should include a more significant reduction in weight to improve the quality of the races. Verstappen suggests that at least 100-150kg should be removed from the cars to achieve this goal. The FIA recently released the preliminary regulations for the chassis and aerodynamics of the 2026 F1, which include a weight reduction of 30kg, as well as a shorter wheelbase and narrower width of the cars. However, Verstappen argues that these changes are not enough and that the engine and battery components also contribute to the cars’ heavy weight. He believes that a weight reduction would make the cars more agile and enjoyable to drive. Verstappen acknowledges that safety measures have added weight to the cars, but suggests that alternative approaches could be explored. The Dutch driver’s proposal for a 150kg weight reduction would bring the cars back to the minimum weight of the pre-hybrid era in 2013. However, he is skeptical about the feasibility of even the planned 30kg reduction, as some teams are struggling to meet the current weight regulations. The increased hybridization in the 2026 power units poses a challenge for weight reduction, as more batteries are needed to generate extra power. Despite these concerns, the FIA remains optimistic that the desired weight reduction is achievable. Nikolas Tombazis, FIA’s director of single-seaters, stated that they have identified areas where the weight will increase and areas where it will decrease, and their goal is based on a challenging but achievable objective.
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