Mercedes F1 boss George Russell believes the added weight of F1 cars could pose a problem for driver safety.
The weight of F1 cars has increased in recent years and the minimum weight of F1 cars in 2022, which has entered the new generation, is set at 798kg, the heaviest in F1 history.
Despite the increase in minimum weights, most F1 teams struggled to keep weights within minimum requirements during the 2022 season due to new technical regulations.
This was due to factors such as heavier standard parts and new safety equipment as well as the introduction of 18-inch Pirelli wheels.
During the 2022 season, many F1 drivers complained that their cars were too heavy.
George Russell says the weight issue with current F1 cars is approaching a safety risk and requires balancing.
“The big problem is weight,” said George Russell.
“The weight is insane. Low-speed performance isn’t great at the moment.”
“We are making cars safer and safer, but the heavier the car, the more likely it is to crash into a bus than a smart car when it suffers an impact.”
“If you go the same speed with a 800kg car or more at the start of the race, you may have more impact than a 650kg car 15 years ago.”
“I don’t know where the line is drawn, so I’m sure an analysis is underway to find the right balance.”
“If you keep getting heavier, heavier, heavier, stronger, stronger, stronger, you’ll actually reach a point where it’s not safe to be too heavy.”
The new F1 regulations will be introduced for 2026, with lighter and shorter cars set to complement the new powertrain build.
Category: F1 / George Russell / F1 car / mercedes
