The rules for 2026 come into effect in less than seven months, but are already causing a lot of excitement among the teams. All are already well advanced in the development of their future car, the first of a new era in Formula 1 with technical changes to the chassis, the engine and aerodynamics. One of the most important points of attention from manufacturers is a minimal weight. With the regulations of 2026, the FIA tried to reduce the dimensions and weight of single -seater: from 800 kg in 2025, the mandatory minimum weight will rise to 724 kg next year, whereby the nominal weight of the tires will be added by Pirelli.
However, there are several votes on this border, which is considered too low by many. At a press conference on Friday in Miamichristian Horner, his skepticis has pronounced and believes that no team with the new technical regulations in 2026 will be able to achieve the minimum weight. “A number was devised out of the blue [minimum]to determine the weight of one -seater. We have engines that will be considerably heavier and the weight of the car must be lower. So it will be a huge challenge for every team [het minimumgewicht] to get. “the team boss of Red Bull laid.
Horner and Wolff disagree
If the F1 2026 has to provide more electrical energy, it has consequences for the power sources, mainly because of the larger battery. According to the British leader, other factors could increase the weight of future single -seater, which will inevitably lead to higher costs to save weight. “Weight gain costs a colossal amount. Last week the introduction of steel skating was discussed, which could justify a weight gain of five kilos of the minimum, Christian Horner emphasized. It’s the same for everyone. The teams will have to make choices to get the minimum weight, because weight means a win in lap time: 10 kilos stands for about three tenths. But it will be very difficult for all teams to reach the minimum weight. “
It is no surprise that Christian Horner found an opponent in the person of Toto Wolff: the two men, who often disagree, especially about the 2026 regulations, do not have the same position. According to the MercedesDit minimum weight of 724 kg, a real challenge is not impossible to achieve this. As Christian said, you as a team have to make choices: how much lap time do you spend on weight and ballast? What do you want to save on? You can hand in other parts if you want to save weight, or vice versa. It’s a real challenge, said the Austrian leader. We do this to make cars more agile. Is this something important? I think so. You have to start somewhere. This first step is difficult, but that applies to everyone. “
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