FIA targets bold F1 car weight reduction

The FIA has set an ambitious weight target for the next F1 regulations, and the number is eye-catching: another 80 kilograms. That target would be on top of the changes already introduced for 2026, which were described even by the FIA’s own technical director as still “relatively marginal.”

Another 80 kilograms off the cars

Formula 1 cars have been getting heavier for years. Over the past two decades, the minimum weight ballooned by more than 200kg. The 2026 rules tried to reverse that trend. But FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis has made it clear: the job is far from finished.

“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.”

That is a bold statement. It shows the FIA has a clear long-term direction for the sport, even if the current rules are just a first step toward it.

Drivers have been pushing for lighter cars for a long time. When the 2026 rules were confirmed, Lewis Hamilton said the weight was “still heavy,” while Max Verstappen called for the cars to be “100-150 kilos lighter.” It seems the FIA is finally listening.

The 2026 rules only went part of the way

When the 2026 Formula 1 rules were introduced, the FIA frequently spoke 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 this year, while the new cars are also 10cm narrower. The minimum weight has been set at 768kg, a reduction of 32kg compared to last season.

That is progress, no doubt. Together with significantly less downforce, which means drivers once again wrestle the steering wheel more, the main objectives have been achieved. But the FIA is keen to slash car weight even further, after it ballooned by more than 200kg over the past two decades.

The 2026 season has also brought its own technical drama. If you want to understand how complicated the new power units have made life for engineers, read our piece on why 2026 F1 AI engine deployment control is a mess.

The FIA’s plan for 2031

So when could we see this next big step? The overall package on the chassis side leaves Tombazis satisfied, although he stresses that the FIA wants to go further. That won’t be possible during the current cycle, but it is the target for the next set of regulations, which is due to come into force in 2031, or in 2030 if there is sufficient support.

Tombazis described it as doing “another big step from what was possible to do now,” adding: “We want to go to another step of lightness in the future, and also the weight, a significant step.”

The ambition goes even further at the top of the FIA. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has revealed his next major target: a dramatic reduction in car weight that would see the grid’s machines become more than 130kg lighter by 2031. Formula 1’s new generation of cars has a minimum weight of 768kg. Ben Sulayem would like that reduced to 630kg.

You can find the full official stance from the governing body on the FIA’s official website.

Simpler power units would be needed

There are reasons to be cautious. Hitting the current 768kg target has already been extremely tough for teams. Every 10kg of additional weight amounts to around three tenths per second on track, making weight a significant performance differentiator.

Taking another 80kg out would require a huge engineering effort, likely including simpler power units. The FIA would like the weight of the cars to go down even more to improve the spectacle, which alongside costs is one reason why the sport’s governing body is keen on exploring a simpler engine formula in the future.

The 2026 season is currently in full swing, and the title battle is fascinating. Check out how Antonelli leads the F1 title race but is still far behind Verstappen’s level to get the full picture of where things stand right now.

Lighter cars, closer racing

The benefits of lighter cars are well understood. Lighter cars are more agile, harder to drive, and more rewarding to watch. The minimum weight of current Formula 1 cars is 768kg, which has been steadily raised as a result of hybrid power units, bigger safety structures, and more technology. These advances have made the cars safer and more efficient, but have led many drivers and fans to believe that the weight has taken a toll on agility and wheel-to-wheel racing.

The FIA’s vision is clear. The nimble car concept that started in 2026 is just the beginning. The governing body wants F1 cars to keep getting smaller, lighter, and more exciting. If the plan goes ahead, it could be the biggest technical transformation the sport has seen in a generation.

For all the latest championship news, follow the action and keep up with our 2026 F1 season coverage right here on rnt-motorsports.com.