The minimum weight of F1 cars will not be reduced in 2023

(Motorsport-Total.com) – The FIA ​​has really accepted the discount of the minimum weight of Formula 1 cars till 2023 and thus began a brand new path, because it was speculated to be after the primary weight discount in 36 years. In latest years, the quantity of single seats has elevated considerably.

The International Automobile Association has estimated that by 2023 the weight of Formula 1 cars may be reduced to 796 kilograms. However, after the weight of the brand new Pirelli tires elevated by a number of kilograms in comparison with final yr, issues started to maneuver backwards. The minimum weight stays unchanged at 798 kg.

A traditional adjustment process has been launched, in accordance with which the minimum weight of wagons should be adjusted in accordance with the mass of the tires. Pirelli has formally knowledgeable the FIA ​​that the 2023 tires will be 1.5kg heavier than final yr’s set of tyres.

As a consequence, the world group determined to readjust the minimum weight of automobiles to 798 kilograms, rounded as much as two kilograms from final yr. The groups have been informed this in the final technical briefing in the previous couple of days.

From 500 to 798 kg: why have been cars heavier?

As a consequence of elevated security options in Formula 1 cars and fixed modifications in laws, cars have turn out to be bigger and wider in latest many years. With the introduction of hybrid engines in 2014, the weight of the drivetrain additionally elevated quickly, bringing further kilograms earlier than the implementation of the Halos in 2018.

In 1987, cars weighed 500 kg, whereas as we speak’s cars weigh 298 kg extra. The incident was a thorn in the facet of the FIA, as a result of the heavier the automobile, the extra harmful the accidents, because the affect forces improve.

In addition, drivers have beforehand examined the dealing with of present Formula 1 cars in gradual corners. Although you may attain unprecedented speeds in quick corners because of the downforce, the downforce in slower corners continues to be unaffected, so the cars really feel very sluggish in tight spots.

Losing weight is pricey

However, the FIA’s try failed, though the groups’ engineers labored arduous on the 2023 cars to deliver them to the deliberate 796 kg restrict, in order that ballast may be positioned in essentially the most cheap locations to realize one of the best steadiness of the automobile.

In the primary season of the brand new 2022 aerodynamic guidelines, all cars besides Alfa Romeo have been chubby at first of the season, primarily as a result of barely shorter wheelbase of the C42 in comparison with the competitors. Shortly earlier than the season, the weight restrict needed to be elevated by three kilograms from 795 to 798, as chubby groups have been frightened concerning the excessive prices related to chopping weight.

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The Alfa Romeo C42 was at its lowest weight at first of the 2022 Formula 1 season. scaling

Teams needed to pay 250,000 euros per kilogram eliminated to make their cars leaner. Due to funds constraints, not all groups may attain the weight restrict with improvement throughout the season. As a consequence, many groups regularly eliminated extra of their liveries to save lots of on paint weight.

Why Pirelli tires are getting heavier

However, groups are more likely to make additional progress over the winter, so it is secure to imagine that weight will play a lesser function in the second yr of the brand new guidelines.

So it is truthful to say that the cars tipping the scales will have the bottom weight of final yr’s championship, however will be lighter with out the Pirelli tires.

The Milanese producer has modified the development of the entrance tires to right the pure tendency of cornering. The groups have been totally conscious of the modifications, so there have been no surprises.