If you have ever seen a Formula 1 race, you might have noticed that all the drivers are weighed after the race. You might not be familiar with the sport’s rules and regulations, so you may be confused.
Two reasons are given for drivers to be weighed after a race. The first is to ensure that drivers don’t lose too much weight and the second is for confirmation that there has been no cheating during the race.
This article will cover all details regarding the weighing of drivers following a race. We will also explain why this happens.
For medical purposes
First, drivers are weighed after each race to ensure they are in good physical shape. Although you might think it isn’t very taxing to compete in Grand Prix, remember that the drivers don’t just sit there and push the pedals.
Driving a Formula 1 car is quite different to driving an average car. A Grand Prix can last only a few hours but the drivers must endure intense g-forces due to all the cornering and high-speed brakes they have to perform.
It gets hotter than you might think when you sit in the Formula 1 race car cockpit. Although the cockpit is open, the driver remains fully covered with a race suit and helmet. The more layers you have on a hot day the hotter it will feel.
It’s also worth noting that cars can generate a lot of heat while they run. While the engine generates most heat, the brakes and tires produce a significant amount of heat.
It’s not surprising that Formula 1 cars get so hot because the driver is right in the middle all these heat sources. It’s not unusual for temperatures to reach 112° Fahrenheit (44° Celsius) in the cockpit.
It’s not surprising that Formula 1 drivers sweat a lot because the temperature in the cockpit of a Formula 1 car can soar during races. In fact, drivers often lose between 2-4 and 9 lbs (4.5-9 kg) after a Grand Prix.
Although weight loss is normal after Grand Prix, drivers who lose too much water weight may be at high risk for severe dehydration. This is partly why drivers are weighed at the end of each race to make sure they haven’t lost too much water.
Anti-Cheating Measures
Drivers are also weighed after every race to ensure there is no weight-based fraud. Formula 1 cars are required to be at least 752 kg. These minimum weight requirements change over time. In 2021, the minimum weight requirement was 752 kilograms. However, the requirement for 2022 Formula 1 will be 795 kilograms.
This 752kg weight requirement applies to the car and driver. It is the total weight of both the car and driver. The weight of the car will be significantly increased if the fuel tank is full. Or the driver will be subject to a penalty if the 752kg requirement is not met by the time of the race.
The driver must be 80 kg (175 lbs), of the 752 kg required. To make up the difference, ballast must be added to the driver’s seat if they are less than 752 kg.
Although you might think that adding a few more kilos to your car won’t make a big difference, a car already so light can save a few more kilos. A minimum weight requirement is a way to ensure drivers are healthy.
In the past, there wasn’t a weight limit. We’re sure that you’re aware of the benefits of being light for a race car. It improves handling and acceleration because there’s less mass to propel the engine around. This meant that drivers were often guilty of unhealthy weight-saving practices.
What is the average weight of Formula 1 drivers?
Although there is less pressure for drivers to maintain a certain weight, it is still advantageous in Formula 1 to be smaller and lighter. All drivers must meet the minimum weight requirements. Ballast should be added to any driver who is below the minimum.
If a team needs to add ballast to their car they can mount it as low in the cockpit as possible. This can improve the car’s center-of-gravity and help with handling. Formula 1 rules are meant to be fair, but teams will always seek to take advantage of any advantages they have to gain an advantage.
Formula 1 drivers tend to be slim and average-sized, with Esteban Ocon at 6’1″. According to the Formula 1 drivers who participated in the 2021 season’s race, the average Formula 1 driver weighs around 65kg.
Antonio Giovinazzi, who is 75 kg, was the Formula 1’s heaviest driver. Yuki Tusunoda, 54 kg, was the Formula 1’s lightest driver.
While it is important that all drivers meet the minimum weight requirements for compliance with the rules, teams do not want their driver to go over the weight limit. Although there is no maximum weight for drivers or cars, any excess can affect the car’s performance.
