F1 eyes refuelling return and customer engine overhaul under 2031 rules

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem confirmed over the British Grand Prix weekend that the governing body is exploring refuelling's return and a major overhaul of F1's customer engine model as the sport considers simpler V8 engines from 2031. The proposals mark a significant departure from the turbo hybrid era, with the FIA pushing to cut car weight by up to 100kg.

Why it matters:

Bringing back refuelling, banned since 2009, and introducing an independent engine supplier would fundamentally reshape Formula 1's competitive landscape. The changes aim to lower costs and sever the influence manufacturers hold over customer teams via engine supply deals.

The details:

• The FIA is studying refuelling to allow smaller fuel tanks, offsetting the higher consumption expected from naturally aspirated V8 engines versus today's efficient V6 hybrids.
• Ben Sulayem said any return would use sustainable fuel with potentially greater electrification, insisting it is safe "if you do it in the right way."
• An FIA-selected independent engine supplier could replace the current customer model for teams that do not build their own power units.
• The governing body would control the cost, neutrality, and power output to prevent manufacturers leveraging supply deals to influence customer teams.
• Mercedes currently supplies McLaren, Williams, and Alpine, while Ferrari powers Haas and Cadillac, and Red Bull Ford serves both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls.

What's next:

The V8 shift is penciled in for 2031, though 2030 remains possible if an early agreement is reached. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has backed the idea of a "white label" engine, signaling intent to reduce manufacturer dependency. With current rules locked until at least 2030, the coming months will determine whether F1 commits to this regulatory reset.