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In the world of Formula 1, even the smallest details can have significant implications. One notable aspect is the post-race weighing of drivers, a procedure that takes place immediately after they exit their cars, still clad in their racing gear.
During the post-race coverage, viewers often witness FIA officials requesting all 20 drivers to step onto scales to verify compliance with the established weight guidelines. This procedure is crucial as it determines whether teams adhere to the technical regulations set forth by the FIA.
Since the enactment of regulations in 2019, a driver must weigh a minimum of 80 kilograms while fully dressed in their racing attire, including helmet, gloves, shoes, and the HANS device. Should a driver fall below this weight threshold, their team must introduce additional ballast within the cockpit to ensure that the total weight of the car meets the stipulated requirements.
As it stands, the minimum weight for the combined car and driver is slated to be 798 kg in 2025. However, changes are imminent: starting in the 2026 season, the car’s minimum weight will be adjusted to 768 kg, while the driver’s minimum weight will be raised to 82 kg.
Drivers’ Weigh-in: Key Moments from the Aston Martin and Mercedes Teams
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
Weight is critical in racing, especially when victories can hinge on mere tenths of a second. Teams must also consider weight fluctuations during a race. In particularly hot climates, such as during the Qatar Grand Prix, drivers can lose between 2 to 3 kilograms from sweating. Nevertheless, the minimum weight regulation remains effective at the finishing line.
The process of weighing drivers after a race serves a dual function: it not only ensures compliance with weight requirements but also functions as a health assessment tool. This helps teams and physiotherapists gauge fluid loss and strategize on effective recovery methods. Herein lies the significance of the printed weight slip.
Once drivers have completed their weigh-in, they receive a small receipt that details their weight precisely. This documentation acts as a safeguard should disputes arise regarding the recorded weight, or if there’s a need for re-weighing.
However, there is no established procedure regarding the fate of the weight slip beyond its initial distribution. Typically, the slip is given to the driver’s physiotherapist, who is not present during the weigh-in. This document becomes a vital source of information for developing personalized post-race recovery protocols, encompassing aspects such as hydration and nutritional strategies to optimize driver recovery.
Source
www.motorsport.com