Former world champion Nigel Mansell calls F1 weight limits for 2014 'disgraceful'

Former F1 World Champion Nigel Mansell has said that the proposed weight limits in the sport are disgraceful and discrimination against the medium-sized large driver.

According to the BBC, the weight limit for the driver and the car this season is set at 642kg but with new, heavier 1.6-litre V6 turbo engines and energy recovery systems being introduced in 2014, the minimum weight has been raised to 690kg.

However, the new power units, leaving less leeway for the weight of the drivers, would take much of the extra 48kg up, the report said.

Every kilogram a driver adds will matter, with 1 kg of weight equating to about 0.035 secs a lap on an average circuit, the report added.

Consequently, a driver like Fernando Alonso, who weighs 68kg, will have an advantage over Sauber's Nico Hulkenberg, who weighs 74kg, the report further said.

Mansell said that it was disgraceful and discrimination against the medium-sized large driver.

He added that if the weight limit gets relaxed, cars would be able to carry some ballast so that the big drivers do not suffer much.