The Formula 1 race cars are some of the fastest and most coveted vehicles. The modern Formula 1 racing dates back to 1946, but the ideas and inspiration for these racing vehicles came from the European Grand Prix championships of the 1920s and 30s.
Through the years the cars have grown to be wider, longer, and heavier than they were when this racing phenomenon began. Let’s see what other interesting tidbits we can uncover about these vehicles, their drivers, and the race history.
How Much Does a Formula 1 Car Weigh?
The Formula 1 car regulations of 2009 required that the vehicle have a minimum weight of 1.333.8 pounds or 605 kg. In 2021 that minimum weight limit was increased to 1657.88 pounds or 752 kg. For 2022 the minimum weight limit has increased to 1741.65 pounds of 790 kg.
The aforementioned weight of the Formula 1 cars is the dry weight of the vehicle. That means the weight of the vehicle without any fuel in it. In 2022 an F1 car filled with fuel will top the scales at 1984.16 pounds or 900 kg.
Tires
The tires that go on these race cars typically weigh 17.637 pounds or 8 kg each. That is just the rubber weight. The wheel the tire is on weighs another 4.40925 pounds or 2 kg. This makes each tire weigh about 22.046 pounds or 10 kg.
With all four tires on the vehicle, the additional weight is about 88.18 pounds or 40 kg.
Pirelli is the sole provider of Formula 1 tires since 2010. They have an exclusive contract through 2024 to make these tires.
Before Pirelli got the contract the sole suppliers were Michelin and Goodyear.
What Else Adds to the F1 Car Weight?
There are other components that add to or get measured together to determine the exact weight of the Formula 1 car when it is on the track.
| Part | Weight |
| Engine | 330 pounds or 150 kg |
| Fuel | 242.508 pounds or 110 kg |
| Front Wing | 22.046 pounds or 10 kg |
| Chassis | Weight varies with no set limit |
| Halo | 15.4324 pounds or 7 kg |
| Gearbox | 88.1849 pounds or 40 kg |
| Steering Wheel | 2.86601 pounds or 1.3 kg |
What Do These Cars Cost To Build?
If you are thinking of building your own F1 you will need about £14.58 million or 17,197,766.10 American dollars.
The wings on the vehicle cost about £61,000 or $71,952.24 to £100,000 or $117,954.50. The front wing is cheaper than the rear wing. The car chassis will run you close to £500,000 or $589,772.59and the Halo about £12,000 or $14,154.54.
The Need for Speed
The cars have been gaining a little weight each year, but that has not really slowed them down.
The average speed a Formula 1 car can do is about 223 mph or 360 km/h. There are certain times when the conditions are pristine, that these vehicles can travel at 248 mph or close to 400 km/h.
When these race cars make the corner turns they are traveling at speeds of about 186 mph and they can go from 0 to 60 mph in about 2.4 seconds. These cars have been known to accelerate from 0 to 100 and back to zero in 4 seconds.
They travel around the track at about 2 to 3 seconds for each lap around it.
Did You Know?
- The drivers of these vehicles typically weigh between 143 and 145 pounds or 65 – 70 kg.
- In hot weather a driver of one of these cars will lose as much as 3 kg of fluid during a race.
- The term formula is in reference to the set of rules that the cars and drivers must comply with.
- The 1 in the name stands for “first class”.
- The drivers have a water pouch attached to their helmets to stay hydrated during the race.
- The engines of these vehicles will only last through 5 races before they must be replaced.
- A typical team for one of these cars has 600 members in it.
FAQs
Do Formula 1 Cars Have Reverse On Them?
While there is no button or lever dedicated to putting the transmission in reverse the cars can be put in reverse using the neutral knob at the rudder and simultaneously holding the shift lever for about thirty seconds.
Who Holds The Fastest Pit Stop Record For Tire Changes On A Formula 1?
The Williams team. In 2016 the team changed all four tires in 1.92 seconds.
How far off of the asphalt is the bottom of a Formula 1 car?
The cars sit so close to the pavement that they are only between 1 and 5 cm from having the bottom of the vehicle touch. For reference that is about the thickness of the average smartphone.