F1 Season Rule Change Topic: Increase in Minimum Driver and Ballast Weight

The F1 Commission has ruled out the possibility of holding a special “Rookie Race” for young drivers at the end of the season, but will consider this topic for 2025.

Previously, the idea of holding a race for young drivers using this season’s F1 cars after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was considered. However, at the F1 Commission meeting chaired by FIA Single Seater Director Nicolas Tombasis and F1 Chairman and CEO Stefano Domenicali on Wednesday, it was decided not to proceed with the proposed race this year but to study the possibility of holding such a race in 2025.

Meanwhile, the F1 Commission had already discussed topics regarding rule changes for the 2026 season earlier this year:

1. There will be no changes to the points system, with points still awarded to the top ten finishers in the main race;

2. The minimum weight limit for drivers and ballast will increase from 80 kilograms to 82 kilograms, accompanied by an increase in the minimum car weight (without fuel) from 798 kilograms to 800 kilograms;

3. Pre-season testing for the 2026 season will include three three-day tests (a total of nine days), “to address the challenges posed by new power unit regulations”.

4. Technical rules for 2026 have also been revised, particularly concerning car performance, aerodynamics, and safety. These changes “involve an increase in the anticipated aerodynamic performance of the cars, which is the result of extensive collaboration between teams and the FIA over the past few months”.

5. On the financial rules side, there will be changes to the current regulatory framework, “aiming to achieve a balance between sporting fairness and financial sustainability.”