Ever seen F1 drivers huddled around the scales after the race? This is not just something that is done for interest’s sake and is actually essential for multiple reasons.
F1 drivers have to be weighed after every race for two reasons. First, to determine how much weight they have lost in a race. The second is to ensure that their cars and they are not below the weight limit.
This article will discuss why F1 drivers are weighed and cars after each race. It’ll also take a look at why weight matters in F1, the weight restrictions in F1, the average weight of drivers, and how much weight a driver can lose in just one race. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about driver weight in F1. No need to weigh to learn about driver weight, so let’s put the pedal to the metal.
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Why is F1 driver weighted?
F1 drivers must be weighed for technical and medical reasons. The details are below.
- Reason: It is important to know exactly how much weight a driver has lost following a race in order to take the appropriate steps after it. Drivers lose between 2-4kg Per race. We will explain why later in this article.
This is a lot of weight to lose in two hours. The majority of the weight comes from sweat. This information is needed by the medical and physical trainer staff to assist drivers in gaining this weight back.
It is also important to know a driver’s weight because if they have lost more weight than usual in a race, then the training sessions the following week need to consider that and will likely be less intense.
- Technical Reason F1 cars that have the driver inside them must be at least a weight of 764kg (1684lbs). After the race, drivers and cars are weighed to make sure they do not drop below that weight. F1 cars have become heavier over the years due to improved safety features. It is crucial that teams do not compromise on safety features in order to make their cars lighter.
Because drivers can be weighed separately from cars, it is easier than car weighing. They can then quickly start with post-race celebrations, interviews or other commitments.
What is the impact of weight on F1?
F1 is a highly competitive sport and F1 is renowned for its importance. It is important to be able to control your weight. Consider if you are required to run 100m on a track. If you have to run with a backpack full of bricks, you’re going to much slower than if you ran that same distance without the backpack loaded up with bricks.
It is the same principle as F1. The more powerful the engine is forward, the heavier the car.. This means that it is vital to reduce any excess weight on the car, affecting the car’s lap time. F1 is a sport where drivers can be separated only by milliseconds. It is important to ensure that your car runs as fast as possible.
Due to the new regulations that were implemented in 2019, driver weight is no longer an issue. These regulations are beneficial for the sport and you can read more about them.
What Are the Rules Concerning Driver Weight in F1
According to the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), who oversees Formula 1 and creates the sport rules, the Maximum weight of driver and seat is 80kg (175lbs).. If a driver weighs less than this, extra weight in the form of ballasts Add to the cockpit to make the weight increase to 80kg
This rule was implemented in 2019 This was done to lessen the disadvantage of high-heeled drivers. Before these regulations were put in place, it was an advantage to have a small and light driver.
For example, Alpha Tauri’s new driver for 2021, Yuki Tsunoda, only weighs 54kg (119lbs), whereas Kimi Raikkonen weighs around 70kg (154lbs). This is a difference of more than 15kg (33lbs).
In the past this would have given Alpha Tauri an advantage based on the fact that the driver of their vehicle is smaller and thus lighter. The new regulations make this less of an issue and level the playing field.
This rule change was particularly important for larger drivers, who needed to eat less in order to maintain a competitive weight. They were therefore not in their best physical condition as they weren’t eating enough.
Many drivers also have this option. came out in support They were not under any pressure to maintain their weight as they once were. Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas said, “I think the regulation is good, especially for the taller drivers. It makes life a bit easier.” He also said, “Many drivers had to be below our natural weight, and it is very easy to get ill or sick. This is the first winter for many years that I didn’t get any flu or any sickness.”
Formula 1 Drivers Average Weight
It is not possible to see the exact weight of Formula 1 drivers. F2 has published the weights of all Formula 1 drivers this year. The weight of F1 drivers isn’t published on the F1 site, so the figures that are available are not always reliable.
In 2021, the lightest driver will almost certainly be on the grid. Yuki TsunodaLewis Hamilton, 54kg. Lewis Hamilton is the heaviest F1 driver, weighing in at 73kg. F1 drivers average between 65-70kg (143-154lbs), although shorter drivers can weigh slightly less.
Drivers must stay within this weight limit. Once the race suit, which is heavy due to its fireproof nature, helmet (about 1kg) and seat are added, drivers don’t want to exceed 80kg. It is vital that drivers do not gain more weight than 75-76kg.
What is the Average Weight of F1 Drivers During a Race?
Formula 1 is a demanding sport for drivers.. The impact of racing has a huge effect on the body because of the high g forces experienced by the drivers. Like any sport that involves physical exertion intensely, drivers sweat a lot.
F1 drivers, however, wear thick, fireproof, fireproof race suits and helmets, which is not the case with other sports. The suits are approximately 1kg in weight. Drivers also wear underwear, shirts and a balaclava made of the same fireproof material.. The cockpit temperature of an F1 car can reach up to around 0°C. 50°C (122°F).
This is a sign of how tiring and hot F1 racing can be. This results in a lot of frustration for drivers. Drivers generally lose around 2-3kg per race.. It can increase to 4kg when the temperature is higher, as it happens in race events in Singapore and Malaysia. This is because the outside temperature is much warmer than in other countries, meaning that the cockpit’s temperature goes up.
Conclusion
F1 weighs a lot. Excess weight can slow a car down, but not enough weight can compromise the driver’s safety. It is crucial to find the right balance between speed, safety features, and other factors that protect drivers.
This is why F1 drivers are weighed after every race.
