Refuelling And Faster Cars Are Coming To F1

The F1 Strategy Group met at Biggin Hill on Thursday to discuss possible changes to Formula 1, in a bid to “improve the show.” The FIA has now confirmed several proposed modifications to the regulations voted for at the meeting, attended by F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, bosses from leading F1 teams and FIA president Jean To.dt.

The most headline-grabbing plan is for refuelling to return for the 2017 season. It was last used in 2009 before being banned for the following year, but is set to be re-introduced if the move is ratified by the F1 Commission and World Motor Sport Council.

Other changes decided by the F1 Strategy group include making cars five or six seconds faster through aerodynamic rules evolution, wider tyres and reduction of car weight, plus higher revving engines with increased noise. There are also plans for more aggressive looks.

Meanwhile for 2016, a move for teams to decide the two dry tyre compounds that it will use over a race weekend - rather than supplier Pirelli nominating them - was also agreed to.

The FIA’s statement added:

Furthermore, in light of the various scenarios presented by the independent consulting company mandated by the F1 Strategy Group, at the initiative of the FIA, to work on the reduction of costs and following a constructive exchange, a comprehensive proposal to ensure the sustainability of the sport has emerged. The Strategy Group member Teams have committed to refine it in the next few weeks, in consultation with the other teams involved in the championship. On the engine side, it has been decided that stability of the rules should prevail in consideration of the investments of the manufacturers involved in the sport and to give visibility to potential new entrants. The allowance for a 5th engine to be used during the 2015 season has been rejected.

This constructive meeting between the FIA, FOM and the Teams has allowed paving the way for the future of the championship. All parties agreed to work together with an intention to firm up these proposals and submit them to the approval of the F1 Commission and the World Motor Sport Council of the FIA as soon as possible for implementation.