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SEOUL, South Korea - Formula 1's heavier drivers are pushing for an increase in the mandatory minimum weight of cars for the 2014 season. F1's radical new engine rules for 2014 means that cars will be much
heavier, putting a premium on smaller, lighter drivers.
It's emerged that Sauber's Nico Hulkenberg may have dropped out of contention for a McLaren seat in 2014 since he weighs a hefty 74kg. Red Bull chief Christian Horner commented that although Hulkenberg was never in contention, had he been his weight would be a problem.
'END OF YOUR CAREER'
Jenson Button revealed that he fasts before a race weekend and said that if rules did not change a "very talented driver could be missed for his height and weight". "If he is over the weight by five kilos that is two-tenths a lap and it is the end of his career. It needs to change now. To be fair, we (drivers) should have pushed harder."
Drivers will raise the issue at the next Grand Prix Drivers' Association meeting but a change for 2014 is unlikely given the need for unanimity in the sport.
For Hulkenberg however, the issue could be urgent, as he looks to move from Sauber to secure a more competitive seat. He told Speed Week he would even consider forgoing a salary in 2014 if it meant he could push his career up the grid. "It would depend on the whole deal. With my personal sponsors, maybe I could afford it."
Adrian Sutil warned that the weight issue might be overblown: "We're not starving. When I looked at some of my colleagues at dinner - I don't want to name names - you can see a little belly on one or two."
Stay with Wheels24 for the 2013 Korean GP weekend.
It's emerged that Sauber's Nico Hulkenberg may have dropped out of contention for a McLaren seat in 2014 since he weighs a hefty 74kg. Red Bull chief Christian Horner commented that although Hulkenberg was never in contention, had he been his weight would be a problem.
'END OF YOUR CAREER'
Jenson Button revealed that he fasts before a race weekend and said that if rules did not change a "very talented driver could be missed for his height and weight". "If he is over the weight by five kilos that is two-tenths a lap and it is the end of his career. It needs to change now. To be fair, we (drivers) should have pushed harder."
Drivers will raise the issue at the next Grand Prix Drivers' Association meeting but a change for 2014 is unlikely given the need for unanimity in the sport.
For Hulkenberg however, the issue could be urgent, as he looks to move from Sauber to secure a more competitive seat. He told Speed Week he would even consider forgoing a salary in 2014 if it meant he could push his career up the grid. "It would depend on the whole deal. With my personal sponsors, maybe I could afford it."
Adrian Sutil warned that the weight issue might be overblown: "We're not starving. When I looked at some of my colleagues at dinner - I don't want to name names - you can see a little belly on one or two."
Stay with Wheels24 for the 2013 Korean GP weekend.
