Written by: James R. Harrison Jr.
Formula One cars have not been able to refuel during a race for more than a decade, because the FIA has required fuel-free pit stops since 2009; however, Jean Todt, President of the FIA, is in favor of changing that rule.
“Cars are probably becoming a bit too heavy,” said Todt. “That is something we discussed. I am pushing for analyzing what it would mean if we reintroduced refueling. Because if you reintroduce refueling, then you will have lighter cars at the start of the race, and you can have smaller cars.”
Because of the ban on refueling, Grand Prix racers have needed to carry all of their fuel on board for the entire race, removing a crucial aspect of pit-lane strategy. Not only does this restriction make pit-stop strategies next to worthless, but also, it has increased the size of the cars to accommodate the amount of fuel onboard, limiting overtaking and the importance of strategies in Formula 1.
Luckily for the fans of Formula 1, Todt has taken notice of the excessive size of the cars, and hopes that the addition of refueling during races will allow for the decrease in the size of cars; therefore, resulting in a dramatic increase in the volume of overtaking that occurs on a race-to-race basis.
Do you think refueling should be re-added to Formula 1? Tweet me @JamesHarrisonF1, and let’s discuss why or why not!
Formula 1 America 