FORMULA ONE is arguably the most technical sport in the world – even a driver’s weight matters.
Fans are are loving what has been a sensational 2024 F1 season, with the battle for the championship the closest it’s been for three years.
Lando Norris is in the running to dethrone reigning champion Max Verstappen and sits second to him in the standings with just a handful of races to go.
It’s been an entertaining season so far, with some race results coming right down to the wire by the barest of margins.
The little details matter in Formula One – right down to what a driver weighs before they step into their cars.
SunSport has the reasons why.
How and why do F1 drivers lose weight during a race?
Formula One drivers are weighed to see how much weight the racer has lost during the race.
And drivers tip the scales to make sure that themselves and the car surpass the minimum weight requirement as the lighter the car, the faster it will go.
F1 racers are weighed immediately after the race with all of their gear on which includes their helmet, gloves and full race suit as it contributes to their ‘seat weight’.
Furthermore, drivers are prohibited from eating or drinking until their weight measurements have been recorded.
The FIA implemented the rule in 2019 and the racers believe that it makes the circuit fair.
It’s been estimated that, on average, drivers lose around two to three kilograms per race, mostly due to excessive sweating.
Some drivers even tend to wee in their own suits if they get really desperate, and this would also contribute to weight loss.
What is the minimum weight requirement?
All drivers must weigh a minimum of 80kg which includes their drivers seat.
There are usually no exceptions for this requirement and consequences come for those who fail to meet the minimum weight.
What happens if drivers do not meet the weight requirement?
Drivers who are found to be under the weight limit after the race receive an automatic disqualification.
The rule is in place to make it fair for everybody to compete and it also forces drivers to maintain a healthy weight.
