F1 drivers weigh themselves primarily for two important reasons: to comply with minimum weight regulations and to monitor their health, particularly weight loss due to dehydration during races.
Minimum Weight Compliance
Since 2019, F1 has set a minimum weight requirement for drivers at 80 kilograms, which includes their safety equipment such as helmet, race suit, gloves, shoes, and HANS device. If a driver weighs less than this minimum, ballast weight is added to the car to meet the combined minimum weight for the car and driver. This ensures fair competition and adherence to FIA regulations.
Health Monitoring and Weight Loss
F1 races are physically demanding, and drivers can lose between 2 to 4 kilograms during a race mainly through sweating caused by the extreme heat inside the cockpit, the physical exertion, and the race duration. Weighing drivers after sessions helps teams and medical staff understand the extent of fluid loss, rehydration needs, and recovery strategies. This practice also serves to ensure drivers remain within safe health parameters during the race weekend. In summary, drivers are weighed to ensure regulatory compliance with weight limits and to track critical health indicators related to weight loss during racing conditions, which can be intense due to heat and physical exertion.
