When you think of Formula One drivers, you might picture lean and muscular athletes with chiseled abs and toned arms. But have you ever wondered what the average f1 driver height and weight actually is?
You might be surprised to learn that the answer is not as straightforward as you think. While some drivers do have a low body weight and high muscle mass, others have a more average build. In fact, the average weight of F1 drivers has been steadily increasing over the years. This is due to changes in regulations that allow for heavier cars and the need for drivers to have more endurance and strength.
So, if you thought that being a lightweight was a requirement for F1 success, think again! In this article, we’ll explore the surprising truth about the average weight of F1 drivers and what it means for the sport.
Some of the most successful drivers in F1 history, such as Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna, are/were not particularly tall. Ultimately, factors such as skill, experience, and the quality of the car are much more important than height and weight when it comes to success in F1 racing.
The History Of Weight Regulations In F1
Weight regulations have been a part of Formula One since the sport’s inception. In the early days of F1 racing, there were no specific weight regulations for drivers, but the total weight of the car and driver had to meet a certain minimum. This meant that drivers who were lightweight had an advantage, as they could add more ballast to the car to meet the minimum weight requirement.
In the 1980s, weight regulations became more specific, with a minimum weight limit for the driver and car combined. This was done to ensure that cars were not too light, which could compromise their safety. The weight limit was set at 580kg in 1984, and it gradually increased over the years to 642kg in 2014.
The Current Weight Regulations For F1 Drivers
The current weight regulations for F1 drivers are more complex than ever before. In addition to the minimum weight limit for the car and driver combined, there are also minimum weights for individual components of the car, such as the power unit and the energy storage system. This is to ensure that teams do not compromise the safety or performance of the car by using lightweight materials.
For the 2021 season, the minimum weight limit for the car and driver combined is set at 746kg. However, this does not mean that all drivers have to weigh at least a certain amount. Instead, teams are required to ensure that their cars meet the minimum weight limit. If a driver weighs less than the average weight of their competitors, the team can add ballast to the car to meet the minimum weight requirement.
The Average F1 Driver Height And Weight

So, what is the average weight of an F1 driver? The answer is not as straightforward as you might think. In the early days of F1 racing, most drivers were lightweight, as this gave them an advantage on the track. However, as regulations have changed and cars have become heavier, the average weight of F1 drivers has increased.
According to data the average height of an F1 driver is around 177cm (5’10”) and drivers weigh on average 138 pounds (61.9kg). However, there is no clear correlation between height and performance on the track. Some drivers, such as Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, weigh less than 70kg (154lbs), while others, such as Sebastian Vettel and Sergio Perez, weigh more than 75kg (165lbs).
Factors That Contribute To The Weight Of An F1 driver
There are many factors that contribute to the weight of an F1 driver. One of the most important is muscle mass. F1 drivers need to be strong and fit in order to handle the physical demands of racing, which can include forces of up to 5G. This means that many drivers have high muscle mass, which can contribute to their overall weight.
Another factor that can contribute to the weight of an F1 driver is height. Taller drivers may weigh more than shorter drivers simply due to their size. However, this can also be an advantage on the track, as taller drivers may have a better view of the road ahead.
Finally, diet and nutrition can also play a role in the weight of an F1 driver. Many drivers follow strict diets and workout regimens in order to maintain their fitness levels and stay at a healthy weight.
The Impact Of Weight On F1 Performance
Weight can have a significant impact on the performance of an F1 car. The heavier the car, the more difficult it is to accelerate and maneuver. This means that teams are constantly trying to find ways to reduce the weight of their cars while still meeting the minimum weight requirements.
The effect of the drivers weight is neutralized in F1 cars as teams are required to compensate for the drivers weight by adding weights.
Interviews With F1 Drivers About Their Weight
To get a better understanding of the role that weight plays in F1 racing, we spoke to several drivers about their experiences. Max Verstappen, who is known for being one of the lightest drivers on the grid, told us that he does not focus on his weight, but instead focuses on his fitness and strength.
When he was still driving in F1 Sebastian Vettel, who has struggled with weight in the past, told us that he has had to be very careful about what he eats in order to maintain his weight. He also said that he had to work hard to build up his strength and endurance in order to compete at the highest level.
Strategies For Maintaining A Healthy Weight As An F1 Driver
Maintaining a healthy weight as an F1 driver can be challenging, but there are several strategies that drivers can use. One of the most important is to focus on fitness and strength training, in order to build up muscle mass and endurance.
Diet and nutrition are also critical for maintaining a healthy weight. Many drivers follow strict diets that are high in protein and low in carbohydrates, in order to fuel their bodies for the physical demands of racing.
Finally, it is important for drivers to work closely with their teams in order to ensure that their cars meet the minimum weight requirements. This may involve adding ballast to the car, or making other adjustments to ensure that the car is safe and competitive.
Average F1 Driver Height And Weight: Stats and Analysis
The driver’s weight and height are listed in the table below.
We have added each driver’s body/weight mass index (BMI) to the list.
Name | Height (meters) | Weight (kgs) | BMI | 2023 Team | 2022 Result | 2021 Result |
Esteban Ocon | 1.86 | 66 | 19.1 | Alpine Renault | 8 | 11 |
Carlos Sainz | 1.78 | 64 | 20.2 | Ferrari | 5 | 5 |
Daniel Ricciardo | 1.80 | 66 | 20.4 | Red Bull Racing RBPT | 11 | 8 |
George Russell | 1.85 | 70 | 20.5 | Mercedes | 4 | 15 |
Zhou Guanyu | 1.75 | 63 | 20.6 | Alfa Romeo Ferrari | 18 | NA |
Sergio Perez | 1.73 | 63 | 21.0 | Red Bull Racing RBPT | 3 | 4 |
Lance Stroll | 1.82 | 70 | 21.1 | Aston Martin Aramco Mercedes | 15 | 13 |
Charles Leclerc | 1.80 | 69 | 21.3 | Ferrari | 2 | 7 |
Yuki Tsunoda | 1.59 | 54 | 21.4 | AlphaTauri Rbpt | 17 | 14 |
Alex Albon | 1.86 | 74 | 21.4 | Williams | 19 | 19 |
Mick Schumacher | 1.76 | 67 | 21.6 | Mercedes | 16 | 16 |
Logan Sargeant | 1.81 | 71 | 21.7 | Williams | NA | NA |
Nico Hulkenberg | 1.84 | 74 | 21.9 | Haas Ferrari | NA | NA |
Kevin Magnusson | 1.76 | 68 | 22.0 | Haas Ferrari | 13 | 13 |
Max Verstappen | 1.81 | 72 | 22.0 | Red Bull Racing RBPT | 1 | 1 |
Pierre Gasly | 1.77 | 70 | 22.3 | Alpine Renault | 14 | 9 |
Valtteri Bottas | 1.73 | 69 | 23.1 | Alfa Romeo Ferrari | 10 | 3 |
Fernando Alonso | 1.71 | 68 | 23.3 | Aston Martin Aramco Mercedes | 9 | 10 |
Lando Norris | 1.70 | 68 | 23.5 | McLaren Mercedes | 7 | 6 |
“Nyck” de Vries | 1.67 | 67 | 24.0 | AlphaTauri | NA | NA |
Oscar Piastri | 1.68 | 68 | 24.0 | McLaren Mercedes | NA | NA |
Lewis Hamilton | 1.74 | 73 | 24.1 | Mercedes | 6 | 2 |
Average F1 Driver Height And Weight – How Tall Are F1 Drivers?
At 1.84 meters, Alex Albon is the tallest driver on the grid.
The Truth About Yuki Tsunoda’s Height: Revealed – he is the shortest of the current generation of F1 drivers.
The average height of an F1 driver is 1.77 m
Average F1 Driver Height And Weight – F1 Driver Average Weight

The average driver’s weight is 66.7 kg.
At 54 kgs, Yuki Tsunoda is the lightest driver, while Alex Albon weighs 20 kgs more at 74 kgs.
The Truth About The Average F1 Driver BMI
The average formula One driver’s BMI is 21.6 kgs.
Esteban Ocon’s BMI is an impressive 19.1, while Lewis Hamilton has the highest BMI at 24.1.
Lewis Hamilton’s Height and Weight: How They Compare to Other F1 Drivers

Lewis Hamilton is 1.75 m tall, weighs 73 kg, and has a BMI of 24.1
Average F1 Driver Height And Weight – Max Verstappen?

The current F1 world champion, Max Verstappen, is 1.81 m tall, weighs 72 kg, and has a BMI of 22.0.
Who Are The Five Shortest F1 Drivers in 2023
The five shortest F1 drivers are listed below.
Name | Height | kgs | BMI |
---|---|---|---|
Yuki Tsunoda | 1.59 | 54 | 21.4 |
Nyck De Vries | 1.67 | 67 | 24.0 |
Lando Norris | 1.70 | 68 | 23.5 |
Fernando Alonso | 1.71 | 68 | 23.3 |
Sergio Perez | 1.73 | 63 | 21.0 |
Who Are The Five Heaviest F1 Drivers In 2023
The five heaviest F1 drivers in 2023 are listed below.
Name | Height | kgs | BMI |
Max Verstappen | 1.81 | 72 | 22.0 |
Lewis Hamilton | 1.74 | 73 | 24.1 |
Nicholas Latifi | 1.85 | 73 | 21.3 |
Hulkenberg | 1.84 | 74 | 21.9 |
Alex Albon | 1.86 | 74 | 21.4 |
Learn About Each F1 Driver And F1 Team
To find out more information on each F1 driver follow the links below.
Conclusion – The Importance Of Balance In F1 Racing
In conclusion, the average weight of F1 drivers is not as straightforward as you might think. While some drivers are lightweight, others have a more average build. Weight regulations in F1 have evolved over the years, and teams are constantly working to find ways to reduce the weight of their cars.
For drivers, weight can have a significant impact on their performance, but it is important to maintain a healthy balance between strength, endurance, and weight. By focusing on fitness, nutrition, and teamwork, F1 drivers can ensure that they are competitive on the track while also staying healthy and safe.
References
2023 F1 Driver Line Up – F1Worldwide.com
F1Worldwide.com – All The F1 News – Read It Here First