Max Verstappen's Bold Call: F1 Must Shed at Least 100kg for Thrilling Racing

The conversation about weight in Formula 1 has been supercharged, thanks to Max Verstappen's recent candid commentary. The Dutch sensation is pushing for a radical weight reduction of “at least 100-150kg” in the forthcoming 2026 regulations. This is far beyond what is currently planned, and he believes such a move is crucial for improving the agility and entertainment factor of F1 racing.

The preliminary 2026 regulations for Formula 1's chassis and aerodynamics were unveiled just before the Canadian Grand Prix held in Montreal. The FIA is aiming for a 30kg weight reduction, alongside a shorter wheelbase and narrower cars. While these changes aim to enhance the racing spectacle, Verstappen is convinced that a more dramatic weight cut is what’s needed to truly make a difference.

“You need at least 100-150kg,” Verstappen emphasized during an interview with motorsport.com/f1/news/verstappen-wants-impossible-f1-2026-weight-reduction-for-fun-agile-cars/10623438/">Motorsport.com. His reasoning stems from the current setup, where engines and batteries contribute significantly to the car's weight. While safety measures have also added weight, Verstappen believes a different approach to regulations could yield lighter and more agile cars, thus adding more fun to the racing experience.

Aiming for a 150kg reduction would essentially bring Formula 1 back to the pre-hybrid era of 2013 in terms of minimum weight. In this context, Verstappen's aspirations may appear to be wishful thinking, an outlook he doesn't shy away from. He’s sceptical even about the FIA’s planned 30kg reduction, given that many teams are currently struggling to stay within the existing weight limits.

“It’s going to be very tough with how everything is, but let’s see,” Verstappen admitted. “Even now, some teams are overweight, right? To go even 30kg less – of course, I know that the dimensions change a little bit, but I’m not sure that 30kg will be the perfect scenario.”

One of the principal challenges for the 2026 F1 cars is the increased hybridisation. The new power units will balance the reliance between the internal combustion engine and electric components, which inherently means more batteries. More batteries mean more weight, complicating any efforts to reduce the overall weight of the cars.

Despite these concerns, the FIA remains optimistic. The governing body is confident that the planned weight reduction is indeed “a feasible target.” FIA Single Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis expressed this confidence by highlighting a balanced approach: “We’ve got a range of areas where we know weight will go up. And we’ve got a range of areas where we know weight will go down. And what we have as a target is based on a challenging, but what we feel is [a] feasible target.”

The debate around weight reduction brings up a slew of questions. Could advanced materials and technologies eventually bridge this gap? Will the pursuit of sustainable racing align with Verstappen’s vision of lighter, more agile cars? One thing remains clear: the path to 2026 is set to test the limits of engineering, performance, and perhaps even the patience of F1 drivers and fans alike.