Williams F1 team is aiming for a massive performance jump by stripping 28kg of excess weight from their car for the 2026 season.
Team Principal James Vowles revealed that being significantly over the minimum weight limit has cost the team nearly a second in lap time.
This “weight problem” stems from older manufacturing processes, which the team is now aggressively modernizing to close the gap on frontrunners.
While the current season remains a challenge, the team is prioritizing a complete structural redesign to ensure the next car is at the legal weight limit.
The 2026 regulations offer a “reset” opportunity, and hitting the weight target could provide a larger performance gain than any aerodynamic update.
Engineers are focusing on lighter materials and more efficient components to shed the extra bulk that has hampered their recent qualifying efforts.
If successful, this weight loss program could transform Williams from a back-of-the-pack team into a genuine midfield contender.
