FIA considers bringing refuelling back to F1: 'This is what we are studying right now'

Although it has long since disappeared from Formula 1, there was a time when stopping to refuel and spending several seconds stationary in the pit box was a routine part of every race. The practice also led to dramatic incidents on occasion, including the fire involving Jos Verstappen during a Benetton pit stop at the 1994 German Grand Prix.

After being banned from 1984 to 1993, refuelling returned to Formula 1 between 1994 and 2009 before being permanently outlawed again from 2010 onwards, leading to the pit stops as they are known today.

Speaking to, among others, The Race, Ben Sulayem revealed that the FIA is currently studying different refuelling scenarios, including how much fuel cars would start the race with and whether drivers would need to make pit stops to take on more fuel.

Addressing the safety concerns surrounding the possible return of refuelling, Ben Sulayem insisted he does not see it as an issue if it is introduced properly. He stressed that the FIA is still evaluating the proposal and that no decisions have been taken at this stage: "It's not a concern if you do it in the right way. We are studying this and nothing has been done yet."

Ben Sulayem has reiterated his vision for Formula 1's future, centred around a return to V8 engines, lighter cars and the introduction of an independent engine supplier. The FIA president believes simplifying the power units would make the championship more attractive while significantly reducing development costs compared to the current hybrid technology.

Under the proposed plans, removing much of the electrical component would also reduce the weight of the cars by around 100 kilograms, something Ben Sulayem sees as a benefit for both performance and safety. He also argued that an independent engine supplier would prevent manufacturers from using customer teams as leverage, creating a more level playing field across the grid.

The FIA president further believes that lower engine development costs could encourage more manufacturers to enter Formula 1. He pointed to the growing interest from teams in producing their own power units and suggested the proposed changes could attract additional engine suppliers in the future.