Big drivers risk being squeezed out by new Formula One weight restrictions

McLaren-Mercedes' team principal calls on Formula One to look beyond its self-interest when it comes to the debate over driver weight.

McLaren driver Jenson Button and other bigger drivers could find it difficult to keep hold of their rides after Formula One enacts new weight restrictions next season. Brandon Malone / AFP

McLaren-Mercedes team principal Martin Whitmarsh has called on Formula One to ditch its self-serving interest when it comes to the debate over driver weight.

The suggestion is that the taller, heavier drivers could be putting their health on the line as teams adapt to the weight restrictions when it comes to the new engine regulations next season.

With the debut of the 1.6-litre V6 turbo-powered units, allied to the new energy recovery system as well as Kers (Kinetic energy recovery system), the weight for car plus driver will rise from 642kg to 692kg.

But given the complexity of the packages, and the additional weight involved, teams such as McLaren face being handicapped.

McLaren’s Jenson Button, along with Force India’s Paul Di Resta, are already at the limit when it comes to their weight, the latter revealing last week he was four kilograms below what he considers healthy.

On this subject, Whitmarsh feels common sense is required but does not believe it will be applied.

“The situation we’ve got is not good as there’s been an increase in the weight limit, but it isn’t enough,” Whitmarsh said.

“It’s a disadvantage to some drivers and teams in terms of having to have the resources to design it down to the new weight, but it costs more money. It means there is a temptation to erode margins of safety in the equipment as well. I’m sure we’ll work our way out of it and correct it in time.”

Whitmarsh said the problem was clear, but he questioned whether the 11 teams and the FIA, motorsport’s governing body, could come to a satisfactory resolution.

“There is inevitably a competitive self-interest,” he said. “In my experience people tend to take a very short-term view.

“They tend to believe – often incorrectly – if someone else is pushing for a change they must be more greatly disadvantaged than themselves, and that makes them dig in.

“We need unanimity to change this, but I rather doubt we’ll get it. In time we will fix it, but will people now agree to increase the weight limit? I doubt, personally.”

Button said the situation is “crazy” and is hoping the likes of Whitmarsh and his counterparts can push for change, in particular with an eye on emerging talent.

“I’m sure we are all going to be turning to our team principals, even though Martin has said he doesn’t think it will happen,” Button said.

“With so many rule changes, obviously the weight limit has gone up, but for a driver to have to worry about his weight that much is wrong. We should have the most talented drivers in Formula One. Obviously that isn’t always the case with the way Formula One is at the moment.

“But this is something that could be solved very easily, and it should not stop people looking at heavier drivers, especially if they are tall.”