F1 could bring back refuelling and independent V8 supplier, says FIA head

Formula 1 may be on the verge of significant regulation changes, with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem revealing plans to potentially reintroduce refuelling and an independent V8 engine supplier by 2031. These proposed shifts aim to address affordability and reduce the influence of major manufacturers within the sport.

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The refuelling we are studying as we speak.

Under the proposed V8 engine regulations, manufacturers could be limited to supplying engines to just one team. An alternative, affordable engine option would be available from an FIA-approved supplier, a move that could prevent situations where a manufacturer dictates terms to its customer teams. Currently, Mercedes supplies four teams, and Ferrari provides engines to three.

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It's not a concern if you do it in the right way. So we are studying this. Nothing is being done yet.

While V8 engines are lighter than the current V6 turbo hybrids, they consume more fuel. This could necessitate larger fuel tanks, potentially negating weight reduction efforts, or a return to refuelling. Refuelling was banned in 2009 due to safety concerns, costs, and the logistical challenges of transporting heavy equipment globally, as well as the risk of pit lane fires. "The refuelling we are studying as we speak," Ben Sulayem stated, emphasizing that the FIA is exploring the possibility of implementing it safely alongside sustainable fuels and electrification.

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The reference is not to develop by ourselves a new engine. My unique priority today is to stabilise the team, set a strong foundation for the team and start to recover... not to reconsider developing our own engine.

Ben Sulayem expressed confidence that V8 engines would be more affordable, a sentiment echoed by some teams. However, Renault CEO Francois Provost clarified that the team is not planning to develop its own V8 engine, prioritizing stabilization and a strong foundation. The FIA's proposal for an independent supplier, reminiscent of Cosworth's role in past eras, aims to eliminate manufacturer control and ensure fairer competition among teams, particularly those designated as 'B-teams'.

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There will be no control over the teams, A-team over the B-team, that's supplied with their engines. If it is affordable, then we will have one engine for the rest of the B-teams, so nobody can leverage them and tell them to 'vote this way, or we are not going to give you a good engine'.