F1 car weight explained: How much does an F1 car weigh?

How much does an F1 car weigh?

F1 cars may be setting records in terms of outright speed, but they are also bigger and heavier than ever before.

In the 10 years between 2009 and 2019, the F1 car weight increased by a whopping 138kg. F1's turbo-hybrid V6 engines, bigger wheels/tyres and an array of safety-based changes (most recently the addition of the Halo) have all played a role.

Another factor is that cars are now required to go the full Grand Prix distance (around 300km) on one tank of fuel. Below, you'll find how much an F1 car has weighed over the years in F1.

Why has the weight of F1 cars increased so much?

While F1 remains an incredible spectacle in qualifying, with a significant increase in downforce and grip contributing to breakneck speeds through the corners, on race days drivers are lumbered with fuel-laden cars that lap some half a dozen seconds slower than the pole position time.

In addition, increased weight adds to the wear and tear of the tyres and other parts of the car, which, combined with the limited number of engine components for a season, leads to drivers running races in 'economy mode'.

Several high-profile drivers have questioned the ever-increasing weight of cars, especially given the sport's push to become more sustainable. However, the increase in F1 car weight is primarily to improve safety for the drivers. For example, among other factors, the following elements have influenced the weight increase:

• Hybrid engines are heavier.
• The Halo was introduced and adds weight (+-7kg).
• Tyres are heavier, contributing to the overall weight.
• Introduction of tougher crash tests.

However, in 2026, due to new regulations, the F1 car weight will be decreased by 30kg. If you want to read more about these new regulations, please view our 2026 technical regulation guide by clicking here.

The development of car weight visualized

Are you interested in seeing the difference in size and shape of the Formula One cars over the years? Then watch this F1 car weight comparison video from 2004 to 2023 below.

Reduced F1 car weight in 2026

In 2026, the FIA will introduce new regulations. We'll enter a different era in Formula One compared to the current generation of F1 cars. The main goal of these 2026 regulations is to improve the ability to overtake on track. A big factor in reaching this goal was to make the cars smaller and lighter to increase the chances of overtaking. This resulted in a significant decrease in the minimum weight of the cars from 798kg to 768kg.

Especially on narrow tracks, this will provide more overtaking opportunities according to the FIA.