6 replies to this topic

[Pine]

I know an F1 must weigh 600 kg including the driver, but the teams try to build their cars as light as possible and then add ballast to get the 600 kg distributed better. My question is how much the ballast weigh? I suppose no one really knows that, but I'd like to hear estimates.

Thanks,
Pine

[Timm]

In the current issue of RaceTech, there's an excellent interview with Minardi's Gustav Brunner.
In '99 they ran with 60 kilos of ballast when Badoer was on board. Remember that Badoer is a very small guy and Minardi do not run CFRP suspension links, did not have a Ti 'box and cannot afford a light engine or qualifying parts. This year they're heavier as they chose to run a stronger tub. Still mighty impressive though.

[Ali_G]

I heard somewhere that the top teams cars only weigh about 490 kg. That really is amazing. Imagine the speed that these cars would have if they were only this weight.

Niall

[desmo]

My guess would be 80-90kg of ballast for the top teams.

[Damop]

Ali - I hope you don't mean top speed ;)

[Yelnats]

The ballast is about 80 to 90kg as Desmo said and the driver adds another 60 to 70 kg in helmet and suit so a top car without ballast and driver would weigh under 450 kg which is astonishing and about the same as a F3 car (but with 4 times the HP).

[Pine]

Wow, an F1 car is a lot lighter than I thought... I thought the ballast was something like 20 kg. Thank you all!