2018 cars set to be 5kg heavier

The minimum weight limit for the 2018 Formula 1 cars will rise by five kilogrammes, in light of the introduction of the 'halo'. Last week, the FIA announced that it would indeed be introduced for the 2018 season, much to the outrage of F1 fans.

Now, it has been announced that the minimum weight of the cars will rise by 5kg, pushing the minimum limit up to 733kg. However, the 'halo' itself is reported to weigh more than that. For the 2017 regulations, the weight limit was increased by 26kg, with 10kg being allocated for cockpit protection.

Ultimately, the introduction of head protection was postponed for another year so the FIA could run more tests on the device. There will also be a change in the exit tests and an increase in the maximum time a driver has to exit the cockpit.

While up to now it was five seconds, the governing body has decided to increase it to eight to ten seconds in light of the introduction of head protection. Feeder series will also feature the 'halo' for the 2019 season.

Fergal Walsh