F1'S PLAN TO SLASH CAR WEIGHT REVEALED

F1's 2031 regulations will slash the minimum car weight below 700kg for the first time since 2016, an 80kg cut from today's 768kg baseline. FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis believes the target is comfortably achievable through three areas: simplified power units with smaller turbos and batteries, reduced car dimensions including potentially downsized wheel rims, and a cascading effect where lighter machinery needs less robust components.

The offensive reverses two decades of bloat. Cars have added 200kg since the mid-2000s, yet only 40kg came from safety upgrades like the halo. The 2031 V8s will likely retain a turbo for efficiency, sidestepping the refuelling debate that surfaced earlier this year. Both teams and the FIA oppose refuelling—too much risk, too rigid on pit strategy. Tombazis projects the lighter cars will gain two-and-a-half to three seconds on weight alone, letting the FIA dial back downforce while holding lap times steady. Nimbler cars, same speed, better racing.