Lighter F1 Cars in 2026 Are ‘Right for the Sport,’ Says Ben Sulayem

Key Motorsport Updates

FIA President Targets Lighter Formula 1 Cars for 2026 Regulations

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has firmly stated his ambition for Formula 1 cars to become significantly lighter with the introduction of the next generation of technical regulations in 2026. This directive comes as the power unit regulations for the 2026 season have already been finalized, shifting the focus towards the crucial chassis regulations currently under discussion.

Ben Sulayem, a seasoned former rally driver, brings a wealth of personal experience to his call for reduced car weights. He passionately expressed his long-standing discomfort with heavy racing machinery in an interview with Motorsport Total, stating, “I’ve driven rallies myself. Give me everything, but please no heavy car! That always bothered me. Lighter cars are better and I know what I’m talking about.”

His reasoning is rooted in fundamental physics and racing dynamics. Ben Sulayem explained the cascading negative effects of excessive weight: “If the weight is heavier, the suspension is compromised, the brakes don’t work as well, the tyres wear out more quickly. And more weight is more dangerous in a crash.” This highlights the multifaceted impact of car weight on performance, safety, and the overall spectacle of racing.

The journey of F1 car weight has seen a substantial increase over the past two decades. In 2001, the minimum weight of an F1 car was a mere 600kg. Fast forward to 2023, and this figure has escalated to 798kg, a measurement that includes the driver. This dramatic increase can be attributed to several factors, including enhanced safety structures, the integration of complex hybrid power units, and larger tire specifications. Technical teams across the grid acknowledge that achieving a substantial weight reduction for 2026 will be a considerable challenge, particularly without corresponding adjustments to the overall dimensions of the cars.

Ben Sulayem has already engaged his team at the FIA on this critical issue. He declared, “We want lighter cars and we want a better sound [from the engines]. That’s ultimately up to the FIA. If Stefano [Domenicali, F1 Group’s CEO] wants that too, fine, then we agree on that point. But the FIA has to decide. We’ll implement it. Not because the FOM or a team wants it that way. It’s because it’s the right thing for the sport.” This statement underscores the FIA’s commitment to prioritizing the integrity and quality of the sport, asserting its authority in shaping the future technical landscape of Formula 1. A return to lighter, more agile cars, coupled with a more evocative engine sound, promises to enhance the driving experience and captivate fans worldwide.

Robin Frijns Returns to Envision Racing in Formula E Driver Merry-Go-Round

In a significant development within the dynamic Formula E driver market, new BMW factory driver Robin Frijns is set to return to Envision Racing. This move is part of a broader “driver merry-go-round” that has seen several high-profile shifts in team lineups ahead of the upcoming 2024 season.

The catalyst for Frijns’ return was the departure of Sam Bird from Jaguar last week, following three seasons with the British outfit. Bird’s exit paved the way for Nick Cassidy to finalize his much-anticipated move to Jaguar for 2024. Cassidy’s transition, in turn, created a vacant seat at Envision Racing, a team that utilizes Jaguar’s powertrains, making it a natural fit for a driver familiar with the powertrain philosophy. Frijns, a known quantity and proven race winner, swiftly secured this coveted position, further impacting the grid by opening up a space at Abt Cupra.

Frijns boasts a substantial career in Formula E, having competed in the all-electric series since 2015. His journey began with two seasons at Andretti Autosport before he joined Envision for an impressive four-campaign stint. It was during this period that Frijns achieved notable success, securing victories in Paris and New York in 2019, ultimately finishing fourth in the championship standings that year. Over his subsequent three seasons with Envision, he consistently demonstrated his prowess, accumulating a further eight podium finishes, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier Formula E driver.

His most recent season saw a move to Abt Cupra, a team he had previously driven for in DTM from 2018 to 2020. However, his 2023 campaign got off to a difficult start with a wrist-breaking crash that forced him to miss four races. Upon his return to the cockpit, Frijns faced an uphill battle, managing to score only six points throughout the remainder of the 16-race season, leaving him 22nd in the standings. His return to Envision Racing marks a fresh start and an opportunity to rekindle his winning form. Next year, he will partner with the experienced Sebastien Buemi, forming a formidable lineup for the team and aiming for strong championship contention.

Kirkwood’s Nashville Triumph: Redemption on the Street Circuits

Kyle Kirkwood’s commanding victory in Nashville last weekend marked his second win on IndyCar’s challenging street circuits this year. However, the young Andretti Autosport driver believes his tally should be even higher, claiming he deserved four out of the five street circuit races this season.

Kirkwood’s second IndyCar season has been a rollercoaster of high potential and frustrating setbacks. It began with a 15th-place finish in St. Petersburg, followed by a career-defining maiden IndyCar win at the iconic Long Beach street circuit. He then showed flashes of brilliance with a sixth-place finish and the fastest lap in Detroit, but finished 15th in Toronto. In both Detroit and Toronto, Kirkwood demonstrated exceptional raw pace in practice sessions, only to struggle in qualifying, which placed him on the back foot for the races. This pattern highlighted a clear talent for street courses but also a need for consistent execution across all sessions.

His drive to victory in Nashville was nothing short of “phenomenal,” as Kirkwood praised his team for consistently providing him with “a great car that’s good on street courses.” This synergy between driver and machine allowed him to fully capitalize on his inherent strength on these unique urban tracks.

Reflecting on his season, Kirkwood shared his candid assessment: “This should be more than two wins, to be honest, on street courses given the cars they’ve given me. I’m thrilled with this one here today. This is kind of redemption from last year. A dumb incident. Redemption from Toronto. Redemption from Detroit.” The Nashville win clearly provided a sense of vindication for past disappointments and near-misses, underscoring his mental fortitude and determination.

While Kirkwood remains “not sure” exactly why he performs so strongly on street circuits – especially when contrasted with only two top-10 finishes from 20 races on permanent tracks – he attributes much of his success to “comfort around walls and adaptability.” Street courses demand precision, bravery, and the ability to quickly adapt to changing grip levels and unforgiving barriers. Kirkwood’s natural talent for threading the needle through tight confines and his willingness to push the limits in high-stakes environments make him a formidable competitor on these challenging urban layouts, cementing his status as a rising star in IndyCar.

Essential Motorsport Reads and Discussions

Dive deeper into the world of motor racing with these insightful links, covering exclusive interviews, driver diaries, technical analyses, and opinion pieces from across the single-seater racing landscape:

High noon with Vasseur (Autosprint – Italian)
Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur discusses his leadership philosophy, emphasizing an inclusive approach over an “iron fist.” He reflects on the challenges of leading a top F1 team, drawing parallels to Jean Todt’s tenure and the long road to success, noting, “People’s psychological approach is different, we need a more inclusive approach that makes everyone participate in a winning project. This is true in all contexts, not just in F1. From 1993 to 2000 Ferrari didn’t win, there are no winning recipes by definition. You just have to improve the system and Jean Todt was great at surviving and developing it right. I think it was more difficult for Jean to survive seven years than to win titles over and over again!”

Fittipaldi’s Spa-Francorchamps weekend in his words (Formula 2)
Enzo Fittipaldi shares his thoughts on securing his maiden Formula 2 victory at Spa-Francorchamps. The Rodin Carlin driver details how he mastered the art of patience and seized the opportune moment in the Sprint Race, a victory long anticipated by many: “A first Formula 2 victory was never a matter of if, but when for Enzo Fittipaldi. Seizing the day in the Sprint Race, the Rodin Carlin driver mastered the waiting game and pounced when it mattered to stand on the top step of the podium for the first time at Spa-Francorchamps.”

Lawson: Super Formula a useful step towards F1 (Speedcafe)
Liam Lawson explains why his experience in Super Formula is proving to be an invaluable stepping stone to Formula 1. He highlights the technical similarities between the Japanese series and F1, particularly concerning car setup and aerodynamics, noting that, “‘The stuff you’re actually working on with the car, mechanically and set-up-wise with aero as well; it’s really, really sensitive to ride heights and things like that, like F1 is. You don’t get that sensitivity in F2,’ he said. ‘So in terms of the things that I’m learning as a driver, on the car set-up and things like that, it’s stuff that’s a lot closer – we don’t have the battery systems, the MGU-K stuff we’re not working with, but just in terms of just aero and the car, it’s similar to F1.'”

In Profile: Gabriel Bortoleto (FIA Formula 3)
A deep dive into the profile of rising star Gabriel Bortoleto, who discusses his balanced approach to racing, combining aggression with strategic intelligence. He reveals his ability to adapt his driving style based on the competition and the stakes involved: “”I think when I need to be aggressive, I can be very much aggressive. I can play the game that the others are playing as well. So if I see that the guy is very aggressive, I can be the same. I have no problems on doing that. But at the same time, I know that if I’m fighting for something bigger, like I’m doing now, I know how to play the smart guy as well.””

Goodbye, Crashville – and hello to a new crown jewel? (Racer)
This article praises the unexpected normalcy of the latest IndyCar race in Nashville, traditionally known as ‘Crashville’ for its chaotic nature. The writer expresses delight that Kyle Kirkwood’s victory unfolded in a race that, for once, resembled a conventional IndyCar event rather than a demolition derby: “‘Nashville failed to live up to expectations on Sunday, and that’s a delightful thing to report. Dubbed ‘Crashville,’ and rightly so after its first two events had more in common with destruction derbies than IndyCar races, the race that took place during Sunday’s 80-lap contest won by Kyle Kirkwood was, for the first time, downright normal.'”

The preceding quote snippet appears to be from a different article and seems misplaced in the original content. It discusses Alpine/Renault’s industrial strategy and financial equilibrium. To maintain flow and avoid including unrelated content, this particular segment has been removed from the rewritten Links section.

We always endeavour to credit original sources and bring you the most relevant stories. If you have a tip for a link relating to single-seater motorsport to feature in the next RaceFans round-up, please send it to us via the contact form.

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Motorsport on Social Media

Stay connected with the pulse of motorsport through notable posts from Twitter, Instagram, and other social platforms, featuring historical moments and upcoming events:

Look what we found… 👀

Ayrton Senna’s iconic SEGA trophy from *THAT* 1993 #F1 race at Donington! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/aCA6se6IFM

— McLaren (@McLarenF1) August 8, 2023

📷CASTLE COMBE PRESENTS: OUTDOOR CINEMA!📷

Three evenings of car film-based fun at the Wiltshire race track this August (25-27), with remote headsets provided!

Don’t miss this unique experience: https://t.co/eKSnUftTC7 pic.twitter.com/grv8N1le0k

— Castle Combe Circuit (@CastleCombeUK) August 8, 2023

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• For a comprehensive list of official F1 accounts and key personalities to follow, explore the F1 Twitter Directory.

Comment of the Day: The Verstappen-Perez Dynamic

The 2023 Formula 1 season has largely been characterized by the dominant performance of Max Verstappen, casting a long shadow over his Red Bull Racing teammate, Sergio Perez. The intra-team battle, particularly through the European leg of the season, has been notably one-sided. This disparity has sparked extensive debate among fans and pundits alike, all seeking to understand why Perez’s early-season victory-fighting form seemed to dissipate after just a few races, and critically, how he might reclaim that formidable ability. However, an intriguing counter-question arises: what if an improved Sergio Perez inadvertently leads to an even more elevated Max Verstappen?

I do think that when Perez is in a vibe with the car and feeling confident he can be close enough to Verstappen where he can win. But Max is just so relentlessly consistently fast everywhere and seemingly able to pull out extra almost at will that it’s really hard to keep up the confidence in yourself when you’re up against that in the same car.

Perez probably let the pressure get to him, crashed in Monaco and that made him question the car, himself, everything. By now, we can hope he can get back to his mojo for a bit where he will at least be offering some challenge to Max, but I have little hope Max will be in a mood to let that happen more than occasionally.

For the championship, there really was never much doubt that it would be one sided, but I guess we can be happy at least the first few races gave us the hope of having them race each other for it.
BasCB

This insightful comment from BasCB encapsulates the prevailing sentiment. It acknowledges Perez’s potential to be competitive when in sync with the car, yet highlights Verstappen’s almost superhuman ability to consistently extract peak performance. The psychological toll of competing against a driver of Verstappen’s caliber, especially after setbacks like the Monaco crash, can be immense, leading to a crisis of confidence. While fans yearn for a resurgence from Perez to inject more drama into the championship, the daunting reality of Verstappen’s relentless pace suggests that even a revitalized Perez might only occasionally disrupt the reigning champion’s rhythm. The initial races of the season, which offered a tantalizing glimpse of a genuine title fight, now serve as a bittersweet memory for those hoping for a more contested championship outcome.

Happy Birthday!

A very happy birthday goes out to Bustertje!

On This Day in Motorsport History

• Exactly 25 years ago today, on this very date, Adrian Fernandez achieved a memorable victory in the CART IndyCar round held at the challenging Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.