All Formula 1 teams have a problem. They are not ready for the 2026 season

Every Formula 1 team faces the problem of excess weight in the new generation of cars that will debut in the 2026 season. AutoRacer reports this.

According to the source, some teams currently exceed the established minimum weight by more than 15 kilograms. At the same time, according to the new regulations on paper, the cars were supposed to be 30 kg lighter, but the reality turned out to be different, mainly due to significantly heavier power plants.

Each extra 10kg on an F1 car costs around 0.3-0.35 seconds per lap and 15kg costs around 0.45-0.55 seconds. In today’s realities this can mean the difference between pole position and qualifying and an early exit to Q3.

New engines that received an increased electrical component significantly complicated the task of engineers. As a result, teams are forced to look for replacements in other chassis components to compensate for the excess weight.

To reduce the weight of vehicles, teams are actively introducing modern materials and technologies. In particular, lightweight carbon elements, carbon-titanium suspensions and other engineering solutions are used to optimize the design. Despite this, the problem of overweight remains a common headache for the entire peloton on the eve of radical changes to the rules.