McLaren questions F1's weight obsession despite 768-kg struggle
McLaren has faced a tough challenge in cutting weight from its Formula 1 car to meet the 768-kilogram limit. The team's chief designer, Rob Marshall, argues that the sport's focus on weight may be misplaced. Instead, he believes a well-designed car matters more than hitting a specific number on the scales.
The process of reducing the car's weight by 30 kilograms proved difficult, even for the reigning champions. Engineers achieved some savings by shrinking car dimensions and lowering downforce, which allowed lighter suspension parts. Despite this, Marshall remains sceptical about the obsession with minimal weight.
He has made it clear that a heavier car with the right concept would outperform a lighter one with design flaws. His stance contrasts with the wider push in F1 to shave off every possible gram.
Meanwhile, team principal Andrea Stella has highlighted Ferrari, Red Bull, and Mercedes as McLaren's main rivals. These teams have successfully balanced low weight with strong car concepts. Currently, McLaren is refining every detail to get as close as possible to the 768-kilogram target without sacrificing performance.
McLaren continues to tweak its design while debating the importance of weight in F1. The team's efforts reflect a broader struggle to balance regulation demands with engineering priorities. For now, the focus remains on optimizing the car before the season progresses.
