Carlos Sainz sheds weight for 2016 Formula One campaign
Toro Rosso’s Carlos Sainz has revealed a winter weight loss ahead of the 2016 season, as teams face heavier cars due to stricter crash test standards.
Carlos Sainz has confirmed he will start the 2016 Formula One season lighter than before, after Toro Rosso asked him to lose weight over the winter. This request comes as teams face new technical challenges for 2016, with the FIA introducing tougher side-impact crash test requirements. These changes are expected to increase the minimum weight of the cars, making every kilogram carried by the driver more significant for overall performance.
Why Sainz Needed to Lose Weight for 2016
New FIA Crash Test Rules and Their Impact
The FIA has raised the side-impact cockpit crash test load from 15 to 50 kilonewtons for the 2016 season. Mercedes technical chief Paddy Lowe described the increase as very significant, explaining that teams must now reinforce the car’s structure to pass the test. While these changes are designed to improve driver safety, they also mean the cars are likely to be heavier than before. This shift reduces the margin available for teams to use ballast or fine-tune weight distribution, so the weight of the driver becomes even more important in the quest for lap time.
- FIA increased side-impact test load from 15 to 50 kilonewtons.
- Cars require more reinforcement, increasing minimum weight.
- Less flexibility for teams to optimise weight distribution.
- Driver weight now has a greater effect on car performance.
Sainz’s Weight Loss Programme
In 2015, Carlos Sainz reportedly weighed around 66 kilograms. For 2016, Toro Rosso asked him to lose a substantial amount of weight to help offset the extra mass added by the reinforced cockpit. Sainz described the amount he was asked to lose as “a lot,” reflecting the pressure on drivers to contribute to overall car performance wherever possible.
To achieve this goal, Sainz spent the winter training with Mario Mola, one of Spain’s top triathletes. Their collaboration focused on improving Sainz’s fitness and adjusting his diet to reach the lowest safe weight possible without sacrificing strength or stamina. This approach is essential, as Formula One drivers need exceptional physical conditioning to withstand the forces and demands of racing at the highest level. By working with an elite endurance athlete, Sainz aimed to fine-tune his body composition for both performance and health.
Consequences for Teams and Drivers
The new crash test rules have forced all teams to rethink their approach to car design and driver preparation. With heavier cars, teams are searching for every possible advantage to maintain competitiveness. This has renewed the focus on driver weight, which in recent years had become less critical due to higher minimum car weights. Now, even small differences in driver mass can affect a team’s ability to optimise car balance and performance, especially in qualifying and during the race.
As a result, drivers across the grid may find themselves under pressure to monitor their weight more closely. For some, this could mean stricter diets and more intensive training regimes, as teams seek to regain the flexibility lost to heavier, safer cars. The situation highlights the physical and mental demands placed on modern Formula One drivers, who must balance the requirements of safety, fitness, and competitive performance.
Life Off-Track: Sainz in London
Away from the circuit, Sainz has spoken about his life in central London. He describes it as quite lonely, noting that he is rarely recognised except by the occasional racing fan or taxi driver. Despite the isolation, he finds city life preferable to his earlier experience living alone in Milton Keynes at age 18, which he recalls as even more difficult. The demands of a Formula One schedule leave little time for socialising or making friends, underlining the sacrifices drivers make in pursuit of their careers.
Sainz’s experience is not unique among Formula One drivers, many of whom move away from family and friends to be closer to their teams or training facilities. The combination of intense physical preparation, travel, and media commitments can make life outside the paddock challenging. Nonetheless, Sainz’s willingness to adapt his lifestyle and training for the good of his team demonstrates the dedication required to compete at the top level of motorsport.
Looking Ahead to the 2016 Season
As the 2016 Formula One season approaches, teams and drivers will continue to adapt to the new technical regulations. The increased focus on safety has brought about heavier cars, but it has also placed renewed emphasis on the physical condition of the drivers. For Carlos Sainz and others, meeting these challenges means not only pushing the limits on track but also off it, through rigorous training, careful nutrition, and personal sacrifice. The coming season will show how well teams and drivers have managed to balance these demands in the pursuit of success.
