What is the paper slip handed to F1 drivers after a race – and what happens to it?

It’s a small, seemingly insignificant piece of paper – however in Components 1, even the tiniest particulars carry weight. Actually. As quickly as an F1 driver climbs out of their automotive after a race – with all of their gear still on – they head straight for the scales. 

Submit-race tv protection usually exhibits FIA officers instructing all 20 drivers to face on a set of scales to make sure they nonetheless meet minimal weight necessities. It’s a necessary factor of FIA protocol that determines whether or not a group is in compliance with the technical laws.

The FIA mandates {that a} driver should weigh at the least 82 kilograms whereas carrying their go well with, gloves, helmet, footwear and HANS system. In the event that they’re underweight, the group will add ballast to the cockpit as a result of a driver’s weight is factored into the overall minimal weight of the automotive. 

In 2025, that mixed minimal weight is about at 800kg. Nevertheless, modifications are on the horizon: for the 2026 season, the automotive minimal will drop to 768kg. 

Each gram counts when races might be received by a tenth of a second, and groups must think about potential weight reduction in the course of the race as nicely. In excessive situations, just like the searing warmth of the Qatar Grand Prix, drivers can shed two to 3 kilograms by way of sweat alone. But the minimum weight rule still applies after crossing the chequered line. 

The post-race weighing in the end serves a twin objective: it ensures compliance, but in addition acts as a well being monitor, giving groups and physiotherapists an thought of how a lot fluid has been misplaced – and the way finest to assist drivers recuperate. That’s the place the paper slip is available in.

After stepping off the scales, every driver is handed a small receipt which shows their weight right down to the decimal. This slip serves as proof ought to a driver or group wish to dispute the determine, and even request a re-weighing. 

Nevertheless, there’s no protocol for what occurs to the slip of paper from that time onwards. Most of the time, the slip finally ends up with the motive force’s physiotherapist.

Since physios aren’t current in the course of the weigh-in itself, that slip turns into a key knowledge level in constructing a post-race restoration plan – from hydration ranges to dietary wants.