Christian Horner and Toto Wolff disagree on the 2026 engines of Formula 1, but this is not the only subject that separates them over next year. The directors of Red Bull and Mercedes F1 also have divergent opinions on the weight of single -seaters for next year, as Horner says, which deplores the determination of the minimal weight for 2026.
“Naturally, Toto and I disagree on this point” recognizes the Briton. “A figure has been drawn for the weight of the car. We have motors that are much heavier and a car whose weight has decreased. It will therefore be a huge challenge for each team to achieve it.”
“Earning weight costs a colossal sum of money. Last week, it was a question of introducing steel skates, which would perhaps justify adding 5 kilos to the minimum weight. But things are what they are.”
“It’s the same thing for everyone. The teams will make choices to respect the weight, because the weight is a free tour time. Each 10 kg slice represents about 0.35 seconds. This will be a real challenge for all the teams to reach the minimum weight.”
Toto Wolff reveals that Mercedes makes choices that favor the weight of the car, even if it means sacrificing other technical fields. The Austrian recalls that the teams are free to make their choices.
“As Christian said, you make choices as a team. What share from time to turn do you attribute to weight and ballast? Where do you save saving? You can compromise other performance elements if you want to reduce your weight, or vice versa” said Wolff.
“This is a real challenge. The reason we do is to make cars more agile. Is it something important? I think yes. You have to start somewhere. This first step is difficult, but it’s the same for everyone.”
