In any motorsport series, the physical characteristics of drivers are important, but in F1, this attains an even greater degree of relevance.
The smallest of details ranging from the height of the driver to the weight plays a major role when it comes to designing cars where they will be able to perform to their optimal level.
Generally, the smaller a driver is, the better for the engineering team while designing the car.
A shorter driver allows them more manoeuvrability and a greater chance to ensure they deliver an optimal package which allows airflow to be directed both above and below the driver’s helmet.
Drivers can’t really do much when it comes to their height, but maintaining their weight is a big part of their training routine.
The FIA also has governing laws that state the minimum weight a driver must be to compete in F1 and somewhat rules out a horse jockey-esque physique in the sport.
Who are the tallest F1 drivers?
In the 2023 driver line up, there are two drivers who can claim to be the joint-tallest on the circuit.
Both Esteban Ocon and Alex Albon stand at 1.86 metres tall (6’2″).
Shortly behind them comes Mercedes’ youngster George Russell and German fan-favourite Nico Hulkenberg (1.84 metres).
Rookie Logan Sargeant is also rather tall (1.81m), while McLaren’s Oscar Piastri is close behind him at 1.78 metres tall.
Who is the shortest F1 driver?
Memes on his height have already seen a lot of eyeballs, but for those new to the sport, it is worth knowing that Yuki Tsunoda is the shortest man on the circuit.
Standing 27 cm shorter than Ocon and Albon, Tsunoda is 1.59 metres tall.
The next shortest to Tsunoda is the recently appointed Nyck de Vries, with the Dutchman measuring 1.67 metres.
The complete list of the drivers’ height and weight can be seen below-
2023 F1 drivers’ height and weight:
- Fernando Alonso – 1.71m, 68kg
- Lewis Hamilton – 1.74m, 73kg
- Nico Hulkenberg – 1.84m, 78kg
- Valtteri Bottas – 1.73m, 69kg
- Sergio Perez – 1.73m, 63kg
- Kevin Magnussen – 1.74m, 68kg
- Carlos Sainz – 1.78m, 66kg
- Nyck de Vries – 1.67m, 67kg
- Pierre Gasly – 1.77m, 70kg
- Alex Albon – 1.86m, 73kg
- Esteban Ocon – 1.86m, 66kg
- Max Verstappen – 1.81m, 72kg
- Charles Leclerc – 1.80m, 69kg
- George Russell – 1.85m, 70kg
- Lance Stroll – 1.82m, 70kg
- Zhou Guanyu – 1.76m, 63kg
- Lando Norris – 1.70m, 68kg
- Yuki Tsunoda – 1.59m, 54kg
- Logan Sargeant – 1.81m, 71kg
- Oscar Piastri – 1.78m, 68kg
Given their height, it is not all that surprising to note that the taller men are among the heavier ones.
Alex Albon, Nico Hulkenberg, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen all weigh over 70kg.
Esteban Ocon is the anomaly on this list and despite his height, he weighs just 66kg.
Tsunoda is the shortest and also the lightest member of the contingent. The Japanese driver, who enjoys giving his race engineers an abusive barrage at times, is just 54kg in weight.