James Vowles assumes that no team will reach the minimum weight limit with the rules for the 2026 Formula 1 season
In 2026, there will be a major update to the Formula 1 regulations, as a result of which the minimum weight will be reduced. Williams team boss James Vowles assumes that no team will reach the minimum weight, as the electric motor will add kilos to the car. But why is that?
The powertrain has been significantly modified for the 2026 Formula 1 season and the chassis is also being updated. The cars’ power is to be generated almost equally by the combustion engine and the electric motor. There will no longer be an MGU-H. As the importance of the hybrid increases, so does the weight of the drivetrain.
The chassis is set to become lighter because it will be smaller and ten centimeters narrower than the current version of the car. The focus is also on aerodynamics, as there will be experiments with active aerodynamics to improve racing on the track. All this will probably only result in a weight saving of 40 to 50 kilograms.
However, according to Vowles, the teams will struggle to achieve this minimum. Since 2022, it has already been a challenge for teams to save weight, which is why many racing teams are already saving on the paintwork of the cars. “[Williams] will be in a difficult position [in terms of weight],” says the Team Principal, who points out that Williams loses around 0.4 tenths due to excess weight.
The team boss explains: “2026 will be very interesting because the weight rules are not comparable to any other championship. It is a very low value. I don’t think anyone will be able to achieve it. In addition to weight, downforce will also play an important role, because without it, a team has no chance of being at the front.”
Vowles is working hard to turn Williams back into a solid team in the premier class. The first successes can be seen, as the team has already shed the red lantern under his leadership. The new regulations will certainly be a challenge, but the string-puller still sees further room for improvement.
So he wants to modernize the internal processes at Williams and invest in the team in order to have a chance of developing a competitive car at Grove in the future. “There is no area in this company that I am happy with because they are not at the level to fight for the championship. Not a single one,” he clarifies.
“That’s a harsh statement,” he admits. “But it’s the truth. Everyone here now understands the problem with the weight and we say that we are on the right track. But there are still many areas we need to improve. We are open to that and we will go that way. We know why it’s so difficult and what makes Formula 1 so unique.”
Vowles is certain that Williams will achieve its goals one day. But it will probably be a while before the traditional team can fight for race wins in the premier class again. “The weight is a slap in the face now, but that’s not our main problem,” he says. At least Williams knows what it needs to be successful in Formula 1.
