Williams plan to give their F1 car a ‘bikini body makeover’ to reach FIA weight limit

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Williams have laid out a plan to reduce the weight of the FW48 before the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season.

Ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season opener, multiple teams, including Williams, will have to alter the weight of their cars.

The minimum weight of Formula 1 cars with the new regulations in 2026 is 768kg, without fuel, with teams aiming to get their new cars as close as possible to the minimum requirement.

With teams holding extra sensors for the Bahrain Test, it is currently unknown what the true weight of each car is before the Australian Grand Prix.

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Williams must reduce the weight of the FW48 ahead of the season opener

After Williams missed the Barcelona Shakedown Test, they were on track last week for the Bahrain Formula 1 Test, and will continue testing this week at the same circuit.

With the extra sensors on the FW48 during the pre-season tests, it could explain why Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon found themselves further down the order than expected.

A report from SOYMOTOR has confirmed that Williams have a plan that they will put in place to reduce the weight of their car before the season opener in Melbourne.

‘Williams has a contingency plan. Among other things, it includes minimal “liposuction” – a bikini body makeover, the artichoke diet, or resorting to Bimanan, which might suffice for other teams, are insufficient – to try and arrive in better shape for the Australian Grand Prix.’

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Mercedes are below the minimum weight requirement

Although Williams are looking for a way to lose weight before the start of the season, the same report from SOYMOTOR states that Mercedes needs to gain weight.

The Brackley-based team must make the W17 reach the minimum weight before the Australian Grand Prix, as it is believed they may be 12kg under the threshold during testing.

The lower weight could explain why Mercedes topped the timesheets during the opening Bahrain Test, as Kimi Antonelli ended up in first with George Russell in second.

Mercedes’ true speed may not have been shown as of yet during testing, and their engine may have to be altered as debate continues regarding the Mercedes power unit for the 2026 season.