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Every F1 driver must weigh at least 80kg including their seat, otherwise ballast like this must be added

To ensure taller Formula 1 drivers are not disadvantaged, the rules require all drivers to weigh at least 80 kilograms (including their race suit, helmet and seat). If they weigh less, they must carry additional ballast in the cockpit.

What does this ballast look like? A look inside Liam Lawson’s car reveals two ballast weights beneath the seat. The first weighs exactly four kilograms, the second 1.125 kilograms.

It is worth noting that this rule makes the sport fairer than it was in the past, but nothing is perfect. Using additional ballast does, after all, lower the car’s centre of gravity, bringing a certain advantage.

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Latest news from the world of Formula 1 — short, fast, current.

Antonelli copied Hamilton’s starting technique

Kimi Antonelli has copied Lewis Hamilton’s start technique. Hamilton is known for holding the gearshift paddle in place with his left hand at the start to avoid accidentally downshifting while operating the clutch.

BILD: Major international broadcasters plan to skip trips to Qatar and Las Vegas

Major international broadcasters are not planning to travel to the Qatar and Las Vegas Grands Prix, according to German newspaper Bild. These include CANAL+, ServusTV and DAZN, while Sky is reportedly considering a similar move.

If racing goes ahead in the Middle East without journalists present, we will have only very limited information from the circuit. Hopefully, the final two Grands Prix of the season will not resemble pre-season testing…

Either way, Formula 1 would receive its money from the organisers, so its owners Liberty Media may not be too concerned.

Jimmy Carr on Antonelli: When Italians and Germans come together, bad things happen

English comedian Jimmy Carr was asked during one of his shows what he thought of new world champion Kimi Antonelli. “I don’t like it, I don’t like it one bit. I don’t like it because he’s Italian and he won the F1 championship in a Mercedes. When the Italians and the Germans come together, bad things happen.”

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🎙️ Jimmy Carr, cómico británico, bromea sobre Kimi Antonelli y su título mundial con Mercedes: "No me gusta porque es italiano y ha ganado el Mundial de F1 con Mercedes..." 💀 "Cuando los italianos y los alemanes se juntan, pasan cosas malas" 😭😭

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Mercedes is fastest through every type of corner

According to Formula 1’s own analysis, Mercedes is fastest through all types of corners: slow, medium-speed and fast. That comes as no surprise given how comprehensively Kimi Antonelli outpaced his rivals in the second sector. Only Verstappen and Piastri lost less than two tenths there.

On the straights, however, Red Bull has the edge. Williams ranks second in this area, with Mercedes third.

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Komatsu: Calendar decision due by Tuesday

Ayao Komatsu confirmed in an interview with Sky Sports F1 that a decision on the fate of the final two Grands Prix must be made by Tuesday, 10 November. That is the latest Formula 1 can inform teams that they will be racing at Imola rather than in the Middle East.

Damon Hill urges Ferrari: Make Hamilton your number one

Damon Hill has called on Ferrari to finally put everything behind one driver: the one who has already achieved enormous success.

“Here is where I stand on the Lewis v Charles debate, and I made this point in my commentary on BBC 5 Live on Sunday in Mexico; make Lewis #1 Ferrari driver,” wrote 1996 world champion Damon Hill on social media. “Sort it out. Make it clear. Ends all debate. Lewis will deliver for Ferrari. If they back him 100%.”

Alan Permane handed new Racing Bulls contract

Alan Permane has secured a new contract with Racing Bulls. He will remain team principal of Red Bull’s junior team until at least 2031.

McLaren even brought upgrades to Sao Paulo

McLaren brought a new front wing to Brazil, featuring a slightly flattened nose that connects to the wing’s second element rather than the first.

The following photograph compares the new design (top) with the old one (bottom).

Brazilian FP1 set to feature a host of young drivers

As in Mexico, first practice for the Brazilian Grand Prix will feature plenty of young drivers. The following will be taking to the track:

  • McLaren: Leonardo Fornaroli (in place of Oscar Piastri)
  • Ferrari: Dino Beganovic (in place of Charles Leclerc)
  • Williams: Luke Browning (in place of Carlos Sainz)
  • Haas: Rafael Câmara
  • Audi: Freddie Slater (in place of Nico Hülkenberg)
  • Alpine: Gabriele Mini (in place of Pierre Gasly)
  • Cadillac: Colton Herta (in place of Sergio Pérez)
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