It’s a small, seemingly insignificant piece of paper – however in , even the tiniest particulars carry weight. Actually. As quickly as an F1 driver climbs out of their automobile after a race – .
Put up-race TV protection usually exhibits FIA officers instructing all 20 drivers to face on a set of scales to make sure they nonetheless meet minimal weight necessities. It’s a necessary factor of FIA protocol that determines whether or not a group is in compliance with the technical rules.
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Since 2019, the FIA has mandated {that a} driver should weigh a minimum of 80 kilograms whereas sporting their go well with, gloves, helmet, footwear and HANS machine. In the event that they’re underweight, the group will add ballast to the cockpit as a result of a driver’s weight is factored into the entire minimal weight of the automobile.
In 2025, that mixed minimal weight is about at 798kg. Nonetheless, adjustments are on the horizon: for the 2026 season, the automobile minimal will drop to 768kg, whereas the required minimal for drivers will improve to 82kg.
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin F1 Crew, and George Russell, Mercedes-AMG F1 Crew, weigh in with Jo Bauer, FIA
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin F1 Crew, and George Russell, Mercedes-AMG F1 Crew, weigh in with Jo Bauer, FIAZak Mauger / Motorsport Photos
Zak Mauger / Motorsport Photos
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Each gram counts when races will be gained by a tenth of a second, and groups must consider potential weight reduction in the course of the race as nicely. In excessive situations, just like the searing warmth of the Qatar Grand Prix, drivers can shed 2 to three kilograms by means of sweat alone. But the .
The post-race weighing finally serves a twin objective: it ensures compliance, but additionally acts as a well being monitor, giving groups and physiotherapists an thought of how a lot fluid has been misplaced – and the way finest to assist drivers recuperate. That’s the place the paper slip is available in.
After stepping off the scales, every driver is handed a small receipt which shows their weight right down to the decimal. This slip serves as proof ought to a driver or group wish to dispute the determine, and even request a re-weighing.
Nonetheless, there’s no protocol for what occurs to the slip of paper from that time onward. As a rule, the slip finally ends up with the driving force’s physiotherapist. Since physios aren’t current in the course of the weigh-in itself, that slip turns into a key information level in constructing a post-race restoration plan – from hydration ranges to dietary wants.
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