Article C4.3.2
Driver Ballast
Technical Regulations
Article C4.3.2
Driver Ballast
Chapter: C4
In Simple Terms
Teams can add extra weight (ballast) to their cars to meet minimum weight requirements, but it must be a dense metal block (heavier than 7500kg/m³) located in the cockpit area, securely bolted to the car's structure, and sealed by officials. It can't do anything other than add weight, and there must be at least 12kg of it for safety crash tests.
- Ballast must be positioned between the front and rear of the cockpit entrance to maintain proper weight distribution
- Only dense materials (density >7500kg/m³) allowed - typically tungsten or lead-based compounds
- Must be sealed by the FIA and cannot serve any function other than adding weight
- Minimum 12kg required for impact testing to ensure structural integrity
Official FIA Text
Driver Ballast must be entirely located between front and rear extent of cockpit entry template, attached securely to Survival Cell and sealed by FIA, clearly identified, have density greater than 7500Kg/m³, and perform no additional function. Nominal mass of 12kg should be present for impact test.
driver ballastcar weightcockpit ballastminimum weight requirementsurvival cell
2026 Season Regulations