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Paddy Lowe backs 80kg minimum driver weight for 2019

Published on 24 Jan 2018 10:08
9
By: Rob Veenstra

F1 will end the controversial topic of driver weight by introducing a new rule for 2019. Driver weight has been a thorny topic in recent years, as heavier cars put more pressure on bigger drivers to slim down. But Auto Bild reports that the FIA will end the controversy for 2019 by introducing a minimum 'driver plus seat' weight of 80kg.

If the driver-seat combination tips the scales below 80kg, tungsten ballast will be added to the bottom of the seat, the report added. The move has reportedly been made to ward off further pressure on the drivers to lose weight, particularly with the introduction of heavy Halo devices in 2018.

Referring to the 80kg minimum driver weight for 2019, Williams' technical boss Paddy Lowe told Auto Bild: "I think it's a good thing. "For good reason, many drivers have been asking for this for years. Especially in the case of young drivers, constantly being forced to lose weight can lead to health problems," he added. (GMM)

ajpennypacker

Posts: 2,475

This is great news. The last thing we need is for drivers to start looking like fragile horse jockeys

1
Jan 24 2018 - 18:56

F1 News Williams

Replies (9)

reg

Posts: 162
If the weight on the seat was added to the top of the seat it would even it up, that is unless the heavier drivers just have big bums or heavy legs!

Putting the weight at the bottom of the seat still favours lighter drivers!
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- Jan 24 2018 - 11:08
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  There will still be a difference, but I think the difference will be insignificant.
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  Jan 24 2018 - 12:11
- boudy
  
  Posts: 1,168
  Under the seat will be fine. The difference would be minimal.
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  Jan 24 2018 - 16:08
ajpennypacker

Posts: 2,475
This is great news. The last thing we need is for drivers to start looking like fragile horse jockeys
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- Jan 24 2018 - 18:56
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  Agreed, thats yet another thing I disliked during 2015. Drivers looked like Chihuahas, and even average height drivers like Button had to take some serious dieting to lose weight.
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  Jan 24 2018 - 19:29
- ajpennypacker
  
  Posts: 2,475
  I think that up until 2017 drivers like Hulkenberg and Ocon were had some of their performance masked by their weight. Conversely, I think drivers like Massa masked some of their mediocrity because of very low weight.
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  Jan 24 2018 - 20:13
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  I wonder how this balancing will affect guys like Alonso.
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  Jan 24 2018 - 20:45
kngrthr

Posts: 203
i proposed this several years ago on twitter.
but I'm not very good at Twitter so it probably wasn't seen.
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- Jan 25 2018 - 03:19
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  I think this is something many have wanted. Performance in F1 shouldnt be dependant on driver's weight.
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  Jan 25 2018 - 11:32