Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton disclosed just before the Austrian Grand Prix that he has been fasting to stay within the FIA’s established weight rules. To comply with the current regulations, drivers must weigh at least 82 kilograms while fully dressed in race gear, which includes their helmet, suit, and shoes. Hamilton’s focus on his weight underscores the intense demands placed on drivers to meet this threshold without exceeding it.
After each grand prix, all drivers are weighed with their full equipment. This minimum weight requirement was introduced by the FIA in 2019 and aims to maintain fair competition across the grid. Should a driver weigh less than this standard, added ballast is placed in the car, and penalties may apply if there is suspicion of gaining advantage from being lighter.
Why Hamilton Fears Being Over the F1 Weight Limit
Hamilton’s worry is not about being underweight but rather about surpassing the minimum weight limit, which could negatively affect his race performance. Carrying extra weight slows down the car and compromises lap times, something Hamilton is keen to avoid this weekend. During a fan event in Austria, Hamilton spoke openly about his routine and weight concerns.
He shared,
“The first thing I do in the morning is weigh myself every day, and my weight this morning… I’m 76 kilos.”
He elaborated while talking about the weight of racing gear:
Image of: Lewis Hamilton
“So I can’t eat anything till very much later because when you put the kit on, your suit, boots, helmet, everything weighs like four and a half kilos. And the weight limit is basically 81, is it?”
—Lewis Hamilton, F1 Driver
His teammate Charles Leclerc corrected him, confirming the actual minimum weight limit is 82 kilograms. Hamilton then added,
“Yeah, so I’m on the limit right today. So I’m gonna fast all day and try and get my weight down. Then I can have, for dinner, the pancakes.”
—Lewis Hamilton, F1 Driver
The Impact of Weight on Performance and the Drivers’ Shared Concern
Hamilton’s teammate, Charles Leclerc, who also joined the stage at the fan zone, revealed that he was similarly mindful of his weight and planned to fast as well. Managing weight closely is common among top drivers who understand the critical effect it has on their speed and overall performance.
Hamilton has previously quantified the impact of excess weight during an appearance on the Graham Norton Show. He explained that each additional kilogram can slow a driver significantly, estimating,
“Ten kilos of fuel in the car costs three-tenths of a second every circuit, per lap. So if I’m one kilo overweight, I can lose up to two seconds in the race distance. So my weight is very important.”
—Lewis Hamilton, F1 Driver
This detailed calculation highlights why Hamilton goes to such lengths, including fasting on race days, to ensure compliance with the FIA’s weight rule and to maintain a competitive edge on circuits like the Red Bull Ring in Austria.
Upcoming Consequences and the Broader Competitive Context
Adhering to the 82 kg minimum weight has significant consequences for race outcomes, as excessive weight directly slows down car speed, something Hamilton and other drivers strive to avoid. The Austrian Grand Prix represents another crucial battleground where even small disadvantages in car weight can influence championship standings.
In addition to Hamilton and Leclerc’s weight management, the FIA closely monitors all competitors to enforce the rules, including penalties or added ballast meant to uphold fairness if violations occur. With intense battles unfolding this season, managing physical and technical factors like weight remains a top priority within the sport.
