The dry, minimum weight of Formula 1 cars in 2023 is set to rise to 798kg, up two kilograms on those raced in '22, RacingNews365.com has learned. Grand Prix cars have gained significant weight in recent years with the advent of the heavy and complex turbo hybrid power units and safety improvements, which include side impact structures and the halo. Between 2021 and 2022, cars ballooned in weight due to the new technical regulations which included 18-inch Pirelli tyres. The weight increased from an original 752kg to 795kg. However, as some teams struggled with porpoising during the first season of the new ground effects era, teams were allowed to add an extra 2kg to combat this - via 'stays' fitted between the outer and inner floor to provide support. An extra 1kg was added at the behest of the FIA for extra sensors but an oversight in the technical regulations meant some of this weight was not included in the 2023 regulations. The likes of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have criticised the increase in weight, but RacingNews365.com now understands that the rise to 798kg will come into effect, at the request of Pirelli.
Tyres to lead to weight increase
The rise in 2022 to accommodate the stays was included in a technical directive, which did not roll over to '23, meaning the weight dropped back to 796kg. However, RacingNews365.com's sources have indicated that Pirelli will increase the weight of their tyres after the sidewalls were strengthened. It is understood that the front tyres will increase 500g each, with the rears adding a further 200g each for a total of 1.4kg. Article 4.3 of the technical regulations states that the dry weight of the car can be adjusted when the weight of the tyres changes.
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