The FIA wants future F1 cars to lose another 80 kilograms, pointing toward smaller machinery and a demanding technical project for teams.
The FIA has set an ambitious longer-term target for Formula 1: making future cars another 80 kilograms lighter. The goal has emerged with the 2026 season only 11 races old and the sport’s next technical overhaul already under discussion.
A bold target beyond 2026
The proposal applies to the rules that will follow the current regulation cycle, rather than bringing an immediate change. It still establishes the governing body’s preferred direction as Formula 1 considers the design and performance of its next generation of cars.
Cutting 80 kilograms presents a major engineering task. Modern F1 cars must carry hybrid power units, extensive safety structures and increasingly sophisticated systems, so rulemakers have to reduce weight without sacrificing essential priorities.
The target also adds to expectations that future cars will become smaller. Shorter, narrower machinery would help reduce mass and address long-running concerns about the size and agility of contemporary cars, although the final technical regulations have not yet been set.
Why the timing matters
The FIA outlined its direction during Formula 1’s summer break, after an opening 11-round stretch dominated by discussion of the new regulations. The Dutch Grand Prix will start the second half of the campaign at Zandvoort from August 21-23.
Mercedes has won seven races so far. Kimi Antonelli has taken five victories, while George Russell won in Australia and Austria. Ferrari has secured two wins through Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, and Lando Norris delivered McLaren’s first victory of the year in Hungary.
The next rules battle begins
The FIA’s planned weight reduction sets out an intention, rather than a finished rulebook. Manufacturers and teams need clarity on dimensions, power-unit architecture, safety requirements and development costs before the concept can become a viable package.
Formula 1’s title fight resumes in the Netherlands, while negotiations continue behind the scenes over how to deliver lighter future cars.
