In addition to V8s, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem pushing for drastically lighter Formula 1 cars

After announcing that the next generation of F1 cars will be powered by a V8 following the 2026 regulations farce, Ben Sulayem is now targeting another aspect of the cars that has gone wrong over the years: size and weight.

Current F1 cars have a minimum weight of 768 kg, an improvement compared to the previous generation, which tipped the scales at around 800 kg, and all drivers have expressed their satisfaction with the more nimble 2026 chassis, as they also claim closer racing is better.

And a lot of the added weight over the years was due to safety; the weight of the electric components of the power units, batteries, and motors cannot be ignored, as Ben Sulayem also pointed out safety disadvantages with heavy F1 cars.

The Emirati said: "What is the worst thing in the cars now? Complexity, more money, expenses, and also a big car. A big and heavy car means what? Means it is not safe.

"We added 50 kilograms because of the safety. But now I would like to see a car, a totally complete car, for less than 650 kilograms. My target is 630," he added.

Ben Sulayem also pointed out that having the V8 engine back in F1 cars will play a major role in lowering the cars' weight.

"The V8 has to come," he doubled down. "You have the power from the ICE engine of maybe 760 horsepower with 10% of electrification in it.

"That would give it the sound. It would be much cheaper. And R&D, research and development, much cheaper.

"As an engine alone, much lighter, enjoyable, and the sound will come for the spectators," Ben Sulayem concluded. (Source: Canal+)