McLaren CEO Zak Brown Advocates for Return of Refueling to F1

Following a costly double disqualification in Las Vegas due to excessive plank wear, McLaren CEO Zak Brown has proposed a radical strategic change: bringing back refueling. He argues that reintroducing fuel stops would add a crucial and fascinating strategic layer to Formula 1, forcing teams to make complex weight-based decisions throughout a race.

Why it matters:

Brown's suggestion directly addresses a season where several cars, including both McLarens, were disqualified for running too low and wearing out their planks. While refueling wouldn't have directly prevented those DSQs, it represents a fundamental shift in race strategy philosophy. It moves the tactical battle beyond tires and into real-time weight management, potentially increasing on-track variability and team differentiation.

The details:

• The 2024 season saw multiple plank-related disqualifications, with Lewis Hamilton (China), Nico Hülkenberg (Bahrain), and both McLaren drivers (Las Vegas) falling foul of the rule that mandates a post-race minimum plank thickness of 9mm.
• Brown believes refueling would introduce a "big strategic dimension" absent from the current formula. Teams would have to decide between starting heavy to run longer or starting light for better initial pace.
• This weight variation would directly impact ride height and downforce levels throughout a stint, creating a more dynamic performance window and different strategic trade-offs.
• Refueling was banned in 2010 primarily due to safety concerns, highlighted by incidents like Felipe Massa driving away with the fuel hose attached in Singapore 2008.

What's next:

While the call for refueling's return surfaces periodically, its reinstatement faces significant hurdles. Safety remains the paramount concern for the FIA, and any proposal would require proving that modern technology can mitigate past risks. Furthermore, it would add substantial cost and complexity for teams. Brown's comments are likely to reignite debate, but with the 2026 regulations already set, any potential change would be a longer-term consideration for the sport's future direction.