McLaren CEO Zak Brown is dreaming of a Formula 1 comeback for refueling! Until the end of the 2009 season, refueling was a staple in the sport, adding an extra layer of strategy alongside tire wear during pit stops. Brown wants to return to those thrilling days: ‘I think that would be really cool.’
Formula 1 is on the brink of introducing a brand-new set of regulations. For the 2026 season, cars will be smaller and lighter, and DRS will be replaced by a new ‘Overtake Mode.’ But for Zak Brown, these changes don’t go far enough, and the McLaren CEO is pushing for the return of an old favorite: refueling.
“I think it would be cool if we brought back refueling,” Brown shared his vision with talkSPORT. His argument isn’t just rooted in nostalgia. Brown sees refueling as a way to enhance the tactical complexity of races. “It would not only add an extra dimension to pit stops but also to the entire strategy,” said the McLaren chief.
Weight Controversy in Formula 1
The American CEO speaks out as Formula 1 faces increasing scrutiny over car weight after races. In 2025 alone, four drivers were disqualified due to excessive wear on the planks beneath their chassis. This included stars like Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri during the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Brown believes that refueling could play a key role in regulating weight.
“When you refuel, the weight makes such a huge difference,” he argues. “Do you start heavy for the long haul? Or go light for a better launch? It would add so many dimensions to the strategy, which I find fascinating.”
