Katerina Swanson
Formula One (F1) cars are single-seat, open-cockpit, open-wheel racing cars used for F1 racing events. F1 cars are famed for their fast-paced direction changes and impressive G-forces while cornering. The fuel used in F1 cars is a mixture of unleaded petrol and ethanol, with a tightly controlled mixture ratio. Since 1996, the fuel used in F1 cars has been heavily regulated by the FIA, which has stipulated that the fuel composition must be similar to what is available at pumps for road cars. However, the fuel used in F1 cars is highly optimised for peak performance by each manufacturer, and teams may select their own fuel providers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Unleaded petrol and ethanol |
| Fuel Ratio | 99% road fuel and 1% additives |
| Ethanol Content | 10% |
| Maximum Fuel per Race | 110 kg |
| Minimum Fuel for FIA Inspection | 1 kg |
| Fuel Bladder Material | High-quality rubber lined with Kevlar |
| Fuel Bladder Position | Front of the engine, behind the cockpit |
| Fuel Measurement | Weight instead of volume |
| Engine Type | 1.6 L V6 engine |
| Gear Box | Semi-automatic with seven-speed transmission |
| Control | Electronic-hydraulic |
| Wheels | 18-inch with slick tyres |
| Brakes | Carbon disc capable of handling temperatures up to 1,000 °C |
| Governing Body | FIA (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile) |
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What You'll Learn
F1 fuel is a mixture of unleaded petrol and ethanol
The minimum octane rating for F1 fuel is 87, which is similar to the petrol used in road cars. The amount of fuel used in an F1 car is calculated in weight rather than volume, and regulations allow for a maximum of 110 kg of fuel per race. This regulation was increased from 105 kg in 2018 to 110 kg in 2019 so that drivers could push their cars to the limit without worrying about fuel conservation.
F1 fuel is highly optimised for peak performance by each manufacturer. For example, the fuel made by Shell is tailored for Ferrari's engines and would not perform as well if used by the Mercedes team. Each F1 team has designated fuel suppliers that provide a specific blend optimised for their engine characteristics. The exact composition of F1 fuel is considered confidential and is only known by the teams and fuel suppliers.
In recent years, there has been a push towards more sustainable fuels in F1, with the sport aiming to be Net Zero Carbon by 2030. F1 introduced E10 fuel in 2022, which contains 10% renewable ethanol. This was a significant increase from the previous ethanol content of 5.75%. By 2026, F1 aims to use 100% sustainable fuel with its new power units.
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Teams can choose their own fuel provider
F1 teams can choose their own fuel providers, and the fuel used in F1 cars is a mixture of unleaded petrol and ethanol with a tightly controlled mixture ratio. The ethanol content was increased from 5.75% to 10% in 2022. The fuel used in F1 cars is regulated by the FIA, which stipulates that it must be similar to what can be purchased at the pump for a road car. However, the final product is highly optimised for peak performance by each manufacturer. For example, the fuel made by Shell is optimised for Ferrari and would not perform at the same level if used by the Mercedes team.
The amount of fuel an F1 car uses is calculated by weight rather than volume, as the volume of fuel changes with temperature, whereas weight does not. As of 2019, regulations stated that a car could use up to 110 kg of fuel per race, increased from 105 kg in 2018. This change was implemented to allow drivers to push their cars to the limit without worrying about fuel conservation.
The fuel tank in an F1 car is called a "fuel bladder" and is made of high-quality rubber lined with Kevlar to protect against crashes. It is located in front of the engine and behind the cockpit. The tank has internal baffles with one-way valves that compartmentalise the fuel and ensure stability, especially when the car is running low on fuel.
After a race, the FIA draws one litre of fuel from each car to ensure that it conforms to all regulations. Teams must ensure they have at least one litre of fuel left over after the race, and failure to provide a sample results in disqualification.
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F1 fuel is regulated by the FIA
F1 fuel is heavily regulated by the FIA (International Automobile Federation). Since 1996, the FIA has implemented strict rules regarding the specifications and composition of F1 fuel, with a focus on environmental sustainability.
One of the key regulations is that F1 fuel must adhere to the Euro 95 standard, which means it should contain the same compounds found in commercial fuels or road car fuel available at petrol stations. This regulation ensures that F1 fuel does not contain any compounds that are not present in ordinary petrol. However, F1 teams are allowed to innovate within tightly controlled boundaries, optimising their fuel with additives to enhance performance and control temperatures.
The FIA also sets limits on the amount of fuel an F1 car can use during a race. As of 2019, the maximum permitted amount is 110 kilograms of fuel per race, calculated by weight rather than volume. This limit was increased from 105 kilograms in 2018 to allow drivers to push their cars to the limit without worrying about fuel conservation.
In addition, the FIA has introduced regulations to promote the use of sustainable fuels. For example, until the 2021 season, F1 fuel had to include a minimum of 5.75% bio-components, which was increased to 10% for the 2022 season. The ultimate goal is to achieve 100% sustainable fuel in the future.
The FIA also enforces strict safety requirements for F1 fuel to minimise the risk of fires during crashes. The exact composition of F1 fuel is highly confidential, known only to the teams and designated fuel suppliers, who tailor the blend to each team's engine characteristics.
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F1 fuel is calculated in weight, not volume
F1 fuel calculations are made in weight, not volume, as volume can change with temperature, while mass does not. This is why, when discussing F1 fuel, litres are used for shipping, but once the fuel arrives in the garage, mass is the measurement of choice.
F1 fuel regulations are specified by the FIA and have undergone several changes since their introduction in the 1940s. Since 1996, the fuel used in F1 cars has been heavily regulated by the FIA, with rules stating that the fuel must be Euro 95 standard, which means it must contain the same compounds as those found in petrol for road cars. While F1 fuel cannot contain any compounds not found in commercial petrol, the final product made for each F1 team is highly optimised for peak performance by each manufacturer. For example, fuel made by Shell is optimised for Ferrari and would not perform at the same level if used by the Mercedes team.
The amount of fuel an F1 car can use is also regulated by the FIA. As of 2019, the regulations stated that a car could use up to 110 kg of fuel per race, an increase from the 105 kg allowed in 2018. This change was implemented to allow drivers to push their cars to the limit lap after lap without worrying about fuel conservation. To ensure that cars do not run out of fuel during a race, team engineers start making calculations on how much fuel is used per lap during winter testing and then refine these calculations race by race.
After a race, the FIA will draw one litre of fuel from each car to ensure that it conforms to all regulations. This leftover fuel is also used for post-race inspection, and any abnormalities or failure to provide a sample can result in disqualification.
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F1 fuel tanks are called bladders
The bladder is a single, puncture-proof structure, approved by the FIA under FT5 standards. It is manufactured through the simultaneous vulcanization of the entire structure, creating a seamless and robust fuel container. This technique ensures compatibility with the intended fuel contents and provides the mechanical strength needed for shipment and storage.
The fuel bladder is designed to hold approximately 110 kg of fuel per race, as stipulated by regulations. This amount was increased from 105 kg in 2018 to allow drivers to push their cars to the limit without worrying about fuel conservation. The weight calculation is strategic, as it ensures the car carries the least amount of extra weight while having enough fuel to complete the race.
The fuel inside the bladder is a mixture of unleaded petrol and ethanol, with the ethanol content increased to 10% as of 2022. This fuel mixture is specific to each team, with sponsors providing fuel that is 99% road fuel and 1% additives specific to the engine and track. While the compounds are regulated by the FIA to be similar to commercial fuel, the final product is highly optimized for peak performance by each manufacturer.
The bladder's flexible design allows it to absorb high-energy impacts, and its exotic materials, such as high modulus fibres and synthetic elastomers, contribute to its puncture resistance and safety.
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Frequently asked questions
No, while the fuel used in F1 cars is heavily regulated by the FIA, teams may select their own fuel provider. The fuel used in F1 cars is a mixture of unleaded petrol and ethanol with a tightly controlled mixture ratio.
While F1 fuel is regulated to have the same compounds as commercial fuel, the final product is highly optimised for peak performance by each manufacturer. For example, fuel made by Shell is optimised for Ferrari and wouldn't perform at the same level if used by the Mercedes team.
The amount of fuel an F1 car uses is calculated in weight rather than litres or gallons. As of 2019, the regulations stated that a car could use up to 110 kg of fuel per race.
Team engineers start making calculations on how much fuel is used per lap during winter testing and then refine their calculations race by race based on modifications made to the car and race conditions.
It's called a fuel sack or fuel bladder, which is made of high-quality rubber lined with Kevlar for protection against crashes.
