Could refuelling return to Formula 1? FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem confirms the governing body is exploring a possible comeback.
Could refuelling soon make a comeback in Formula 1? FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has confirmed that motorsport’s governing body is currently looking into a possible reintroduction.
Refuelling during Formula 1 races has been banned since the 2010 season. As a result, cars start races with enough fuel to complete the entire race distance. In the future, however, that could change again.
“We are currently looking into refuelling,” Ben Sulayem confirmed to news agency Reuters.
However, no decision has been made yet. “It’s not a problem if you do it in the right way. We are looking at it. Nothing has been decided yet,” the FIA President clarified.
Refuelling with sustainable fuel in Formula 1?
Ben Sulayem has floated the idea of combining sustainable fuels with electrification. However, it remains unclear what a future engine regulation could look like in concrete terms.
“Refuelling with sustainable fuel and electrification. Maybe we look at whether we use more than ten per cent electrification. We are still open,” the FIA President explained.
One thing is therefore clear: A return of refuelling is currently merely an option being explored by the FIA. There are no concrete plans for its reintroduction or a possible timeframe at this stage.
FIA planning further changes
At the same time, Ben Sulayem is focusing intensively on the long-term future of Formula 1. He recently spoke in favour of lighter cars and a possible return to V8 engines in the next regulation cycle from 2030 or 2031.
His goal is to introduce significantly simpler and cheaper power units as well as lighter cars. The idea of an independent engine supplier is also being considered. Such a supplier could provide power units to customer teams and reduce their dependence on the major manufacturers.
Whether refuelling will actually make its Formula 1 comeback remains to be seen. One thing is certain, however: The FIA is officially exploring the possibility.
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