FIA Targets Another 80kg Weight Cut for Future F1 Cars

Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA's Head of Single-Seaters, has spoken out amid the storm of criticism over the 2026 power units. But behind all the engine controversy, he insists the new chassis rules represent a significant step forward. The next target? Cars that are another 80 kilograms lighter in the future.

When the 2026 Formula 1 regulations were introduced, the FIA often talked about the so-called "nimble car concept." The machinery was supposed to become smaller and lighter, although the changes are still relatively marginal. The wheelbase is 20cm shorter, the cars are 10cm narrower, and the minimum weight has been set at 768kg—a reduction of 32kg compared to last season. Combined with significantly less downforce, drivers once again wrestle the steering wheel more, and the cars look less like they are running on rails.

Unfortunately, during the first eight months of the year, there has been barely any discussion about that, as everything has been overshadowed by complaints about the power units and energy management. However, on the chassis side, Tombazis believes the new set of regulations represents a step forward. "I think probably yes, although one should never assume that the job is finished. But I do think cars follow each other more closely," he told select media including FIA.

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According to the FIA, the effect of dirty air has been reduced to the level seen during the first year under the previous ruleset. Tombazis is confident that this time teams will be less able to throw a spanner in the works with clever solutions that undermine the spirit of the regulations. "I believe we are similar to where we were at the start of the 2022 championship, but I think it's a bit more robust this year," he continued. He also noted that the various aerodynamic solutions teams have tried haven't broken the concept, unlike previous regulations where some elements significantly compromised the wake characteristics.

Aside from following other cars, Tombazis also sees it as a positive that drivers still have their hands full with the new cars. "They are still quite difficult cars to drive for the drivers, which I think is good, that they're not just cars that anybody can drive," he insisted. "Some of the aerodynamic regulations push towards teams not being able to address every single aspect of a car through a corner, and therefore they do have some challenges. I think when we have the 22 best drivers in the world, we should also have cars that are not exactly easy for my grandma to drive." On top of that, the cars are slightly less physically demanding than before, particularly because the ride heights have been raised, making them not as brutal as last year.

For the next set of regulations, the FIA would like the cars to be a further 80kg lighter, along with simpler power units. This target is due to come into force in 2031, or 2030 if there is sufficient support. "The cars are a bit lighter and a bit smaller, which the drivers have appreciated," Tombazis said. "Now, is that where I would like us to be? No. I would like us to be another 80 kilos lighter, and maybe still a bit shorter and a bit smaller in the future. That's the sort of target, that we do another big step from what was possible to do now. I think this is not a bad step, but it's not like I'm saying, 'Yes, job done, that's the target'. We want to go to another step of lightness in the future, and also the weight, a significant step."

For now, Tombazis is counting his blessings, particularly because the long-running trend of F1 cars becoming ever larger and heavier has finally been reversed. "This is the first time I think Formula 1 cars have become lighter since probably the year 2000, I would say at least, or maybe earlier," he concluded. With this long-term vision, the FIA not only wants to end the trend of increasing weight but also restore a purer driving sensation. Will this ambitious target be realized? We'll just have to wait and see.