Red Bull and Mercedes bosses clash again, this time over 2026 F1 weight rules, raising fresh questions about design and performance trade-offs.
The 2026 Formula 1 regulations are already causing friction between Red Bull and Mercedes, and it’s not just about the new engines. Christian Horner and Toto Wolff are also at odds over another critical topic, the minimum weight of the next-generation cars.
“We naturally disagree on this,” said Red Bull boss Christian Horner. “A weight target was picked out of thin air. The engines are significantly heavier, yet the overall car weight has been reduced. That creates a massive challenge for all teams.”
Horner highlighted the steep cost of shaving off every kilogram. “Reducing weight costs a fortune. Just last week, we discussed adding steel skid blocks, which might justify increasing the minimum weight by 5 kilograms. But it is what it is.”
He emphasized that every team will face the same hurdle. “Teams will make trade-offs to hit that weight. Weight is free lap time, every 10 kilograms equals around 0.35 seconds. Reaching the minimum weight is going to be a serious test for everyone.”
Toto Wolff agrees that teams have tough decisions to make but sees it as part of the sport’s evolution. Mercedes is already making design choices with weight in mind, even if that means compromising in other areas.
“As Christian said, it’s about choices. You decide how much lap time you’re willing to trade for weight and ballast. Where do you want to save? You might sacrifice other performance areas to drop weight, or you might not,” said Wolff.
He believes the push for lighter cars is the right direction. “It’s a real challenge, but the goal is to make the cars more agile. Is that important? I think it is. You have to start somewhere, and while this first step is tough, it’s the same challenge for everyone.”
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Horner and Wolff Disagree Over 2026 F1 Car Weight Limits
Horner and Wolff Disagree Over 2026 F1 Car Weight Limits
