Why F1 Banned Refuelling And Why It’s Never Coming Back

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From 1994 to 2009, in-race refuelling was one of the most dramatic and defining elements of Formula 1. It shaped race strategies, influenced qualifying formats, and created some of the most unforgettable pit lane moments in F1 history — from Jos Verstappen’s terrifying fire at Hockenheim in 1994 to Felipe Massa’s infamous fuel hose incident in Singapore 2008.

But despite its spectacle, the FIA banned refuelling from 2010 onwards, ending an era that had become deeply ingrained in the sport. In this video, we break down the full story — why it was brought back, how it changed the racing, the safety and cost issues that plagued it, and the exact timeline of rule changes that led to its removal. We also explore whether refuelling could ever realistically return to F1 in the modern hybrid era, and why the data suggests it’s unlikely.

📌 Topics Covered:
– The history of mid-race refuelling before 1994
– How the 1994–2009 refuelling era worked
– Key safety incidents, including the 1994 Hockenheim fire
– How refuelling shaped race strategy and qualifying formats
– The FIA’s reasons for banning it from 2010
– Could F1 ever bring refuelling back under current rules?

If you remember the tension of a splash-and-dash or the thrill of a perfectly timed pit stop, this is the definitive breakdown of one of F1’s most controversial rule changes.