Formula 1 is all about cars. Everything else – the drivers, the teams, the sponsors – revolves around those high-tech machines on four wheels. So it’s no surprise that fans are always curious about how F1 cars are evolving.
However, one area where there has been a lot of changes over the years is car length as you might’ve noticed that the F1 cars are getting bigger and bigger.
So, how long is a Formula 1 car in 2024? Read on to find out all about the dimensions of a Formula 1 car, plus some other fun facts about these speedy machines.
You might just be surprised at what you learn!
Table of Contents
Watch this video to understand why F1 car gets longer and longer.
How long is an F1 car?
F1 cars are about 5.5 meters long and 2 meters wide. To put that into perspective, a typical family car is about 4.6 meters long and 1.8 meters wide. Formula 1 cars are longer than ever in 2024.
I know what you’re thinking – if F1 cars are longer and wider than regular cars, how come we don’t notice it when we’re watching them zip around the track? Well, it’s all thanks to their aerodynamic design.
F1 cars are designed to be as sleek and streamlined as possible. So even though they are bigger than your average car, they don’t look it because of their aerodynamic shape.
The FIA has strict rules in place dictating the dimensions of a Formula 1 car. These regulations ensure that all cars are of a similar size and weight, which in turn creates a level playing field for all teams and drivers. If a team doesn’t follow the rules, they risk being penalized.
Key takeaways
Here are some key aspects that you should know about the dimensions of F1 cars:
- F1 cars are about 5.5 meters long and 2 meters wide
- They are slightly longer and wider than the average street car
- Their aerodynamic design makes them look sleek and streamlined
- The FIA has strict rules in place dictating the dimensions of a Formula 1 car
- These regulations ensure that all cars are of a similar size and weight
How big is an F1 car?
Although they may look small on television, Formula 1 cars are quite big in real life. Let’s take a closer look at the dimensions of a Formula 1 car and see just how big they really are.
Length
As per the latest rules, F1 car length cannot exceed 5.5 meters. That’s about 18 feet, which means these cars are pretty long!
The length of F1 cars has not always been the same. Their length has increased over time, but they were once much shorter. As compared to height and width regulations, Formula 1 car length regulations are less restrictive.
Formula 1 teams have greater flexibility when it comes to vehicle length. It is evident when comparing the vehicles of different teams.
Width
The width of F1 cars cannot exceed 2 meters as per the latest rules.
This regulation was introduced by the FIA in 2017 and made cars wider than ever before. Having wider cars meant they were slower in straight lines and faster around corners since they had more drag.
Formula 1 cars are the widest they have ever been in 2024. The extra width makes them more challenging to drive but also more exciting to watch!
Height
A Formula 1 car’s ride height is how far it is from the ground to the bottom of its chassis. The ideal height for F1 cars is decided by the aerodynamics of F1 cars.
As you may know, Formula 1 vehicles are quite low to the ground and have a low overall height. The ride height of F1 vehicles is typically 30 – 35mm in the front and 75 – 80mm in the back. The vehicle has a ground clearance of about 75mm in the middle.
The reason being so close to the ground is that it helps the car be more aerodynamic. When a car is closer to the ground, there is less air resistance, which makes the car faster.
Weight
Formula 1 cars have grown in size and speed in recent years, and as a consequence, they have gained significant weight.
The most recent regulations stipulate that an entire Formula One vehicle must weigh at least 798 kgs. The engine is the heaviest component of a Formula One car and must weigh at least 150 kgs. The steering wheel is the least heavy component of a Formula One car and weighs just 1.3 kgs.
F1 car size comparison
Now that you know how big F1 cars are, you’re probably wondering how they compare to each other in terms of size. Let’s take a look at the dimensions of popular F1 cars.
| F1 Team | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Height (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes | 5,500 | 2,000 | 970 |
| Red Bull | 5,400 | 2,000 | 950 |
| Ferrari | 5,500 | 2,000 | 970 |
| Alpine | 5,620 | 2,000 | 1,100 |
| McLaren | 5,400 | 2,000 | 950 |
| Alfa Romeo | 5,500 | 2,000 | 950 |
| Haas | 5,500 | 2,000 | 950 |
| Alpha Tauri | 5,500 | 2,000 | 950 |
| Aston Martin | 5,600 | 2,000 | 950 |
| Williams | 5,400 | 2,000 | 960 |
How long is a Mercedes F1 car?
Mercedes F1 cars are among the longest on the track, measuring in at over 5,500 mm. They are also quite wide, at 2000mm, and have a height of 970mm. These cars are on the heavier side, weighing in at 798kg.
How long is a Red Bull F1 car?
Red Bull F1 cars are also quite long, at over 5,400 mm. They have a similar width to Mercedes cars, at 2000mm, but are slightly shorter, at 950mm.
How long is a Ferrari F1 car?
Ferrari F1 cars are among the longest on the track, measuring in at over 5,500 mm. They are also quite wide, at 2000 mm, and have a height of 970mm.
How long is an Alpine F1 car?
The Alpine F1 car is one of the longer cars with an overall length of over 5620mm. It is also quite wide, measuring 2000mm from side to side. The Alpine F1 car is also quite tall, with an overall height of 1100mm.
How long is a McLaren F1 car?
McLaren F1 cars are also quite large, measuring over 5,400mm in length. They are narrower than other F1 cars, with a width of 2000mm. They are also quite tall, measuring 950mm from the ground to the top of the car.
How long is a Alfa Romeo F1 car?
Alfa Romeo is also one of the longest cars on the grid, measuring 5,500mm. They have a standard width and height of 2000mm and 950mm, respectively.
How long is a Haas F1 car?
Haas F1 cars are also among the longest ones on the track, at 5,500 mm. They have a similar width to other F1 cars, at 2000 mm, and have a height of 950 mm.
How long is a AlphaTauri F1 car?
AlphaTauri F1 cars are also quite long, at 5,500 mm. They have a similar width as other F1 cars, at 2000 mm. They also have the considerably same height as other cars i.e., 950 mm.
How long is a Aston Martin F1 car?
Aston Martin F1 cars are also quite long, at 5,600 mm. They also have a standard width of 2,000 mm. They have the same height as other cars, at 950 mm.
How long is a Williams F1 car?
Williams F1 cars also have a similar size as other cars listed here, at 5,400 mm. They have a similar width to other F1 cars, at 2000 mm. They are taller than some cars, at 970 mm.
Frequently asked questions about a Formula 1 cars length
Are all F1 cars the same length?
Why are F1 cars getting bigger?
Why are F1 cars so long?
Conclusion
F1 cars have evolved over the years and they continue to do so with each passing season. The sport is constantly changing and teams are always looking for ways to gain an advantage over their rivals.
It’s all about making the cars faster and more efficient, and length is just one of the many factors that teams have to consider. If you’re interested in Formula 1, then make sure to keep an eye on the cars’ dimensions as they continue to change and evolve.
