The weight limits need changed.

[Steven]

A very simple solution would be to include the seat in the driver's weight. As it is now the drivers weight already includes race suit, fireproof underwear, helmet, hans device and radio earpieces. The seat are easily removable too with a quick release system mandated for rescue purposes.

That would still disadvantage the heavier drivers because the centre of gravity will still be much higher for a heavy driver with a light seat than for an 58kg driver that has 27kg of ballast added underneath the seat. A similar proposal was made before, but the way you suggest it is hardly going to make any difference.

The problem is also not limited to weight, but also length, as teams would be very happy with midget drivers to move the pedals backward and make room for some components at the front of the car.

[horse]

This strikes me as one of the best opportunities for a female driver to try and break through. It's just a shame that none are really waiting. I don't believe this is a fair situation, but it could have been an opportunity to address this other imbalance in the sport.

[JimClarkFan]

Interesting article from James Allen regarding Hulkenbergs weight saga..it explains quite clearly the impact that the new engines will be having on the weight of the cars and hence the importance of the drivers weight.

http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/2013/10/i ... -progress/

I fear it is too late now, if certain teams can already meet the minimum weight limit then it is not in their interest to allow the weight of the driver to be accommodated. I think a unanimous decision could have been made a while back when ,more teams were having difficulties with the weight, but the time for that has past.

[turbof1]

I think the FIA can still push through regulations at this point, no? Or am I mistaken?

[JimClarkFan]

I think the FIA can still push through regulations at this point, no? Or am I mistaken?

I think regulations can be vetoed by teams - though I am not sure.

[xpensive]

I think the FIA can still push through regulations at this point, no? Or am I mistaken?

I think regulations can be vetoed by teams - though I am not sure.

As MrM so often demonstrated, the argument "on the grounds of safety" can be used to change almost any rule or regulation.

[turbof1]

I think the FIA can still push through regulations at this point, no? Or am I mistaken?

I think regulations can be vetoed by teams - though I am not sure.

I don't believe it is that simple; when the fia wants to introduce rules in the current season it needs the consensus of all teams, but when introducing the rules in the next year the opposite is through: all teams need to veto it then. When even one does not do that, the fia can just push it through.

That being said, the FIA has several general, vague rules in place it can (ab)use to force teams to make changes during the season, even without the support of the full grid. Safety is one, moveable aero is another and there are others. If one thinks back to 2006, the renault saga about having mass dampers in the nose, you do have to admire the fia for the amount of imagination they have to stretch an aero rule to essentially a mechanical solution.