Sylvie Willis
Formula 1 cars do use fuel, and a lot of science goes into ensuring that they don't run out during a race. The amount of fuel an F1 car can use per race was increased to 110 kilograms in 2019, and teams can be strategic about the amount of fuel on board. F1 fuel has been heavily regulated by the FIA since 1996, and it must be similar to the fuel that can be purchased at the pump for a road car. F1 is also pushing to become net-zero carbon by 2030, with plans to use 100% sustainable fuels by 2026.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel type | Petrol, with compounds found in commercial fuels |
| Fuel regulation | Euro 95 standard, regulated by the FIA |
| Fuel optimisation | Each manufacturer optimises fuel for peak performance |
| Fuel tank capacity | 22 litres |
| Fuel allowance | 110 kilograms |
| Fuel outside fuel cell | 250ml |
| Refuelling during race | Banned since 2010 |
| Fuel flow | Monitored by the FIA, limited to 100kg per hour |
| Sustainable fuel | 10% renewable ethanol (E10) in 2023, 100% sustainable fuel by 2026 |
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What You'll Learn
Formula 1 fuel regulations
The FIA world motor sport council has approved a series of changes to F1's sporting and technical regulations, including fuel-related rules. F1 cars have had fuel-flow meters monitored by the FIA since 2014 to ensure that the engine does not consume fuel at a rate higher than 100kg per hour, with the sensor checking the flow 2200 times per second. The FIA also takes fuel samples randomly during race weekends and from the cars of the top three finishers.
In 2019, the amount of fuel an F1 car could use per race was increased to 110 kilograms to allow drivers to push harder. However, F1 is shifting from controlling fuel flow through a maximum mass flow rate to a maximum energy flow rate, with a goal of each car using just 70kg of fuel during a Grand Prix by 2026.
F1 is committed to environmental responsibility and is on course to deliver 100% sustainable fuels by 2026. The next generation of F1 power units will run on fully sustainable fuels, with carbon derived from non-food sources, genuine municipal waste, or the atmosphere. This will result in net-zero exhaust CO2 emissions without burning any new fossil carbon.
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Fuel tank capacity
F1 fuel is measured in kilograms because it expands or contracts depending on temperature. The fuel tank capacity of an F1 car is typically around 22 litres, and the fuel is used while running at maximum power. Teams must carefully consider the amount of fuel onboard as a full tank can weigh down the car and impact performance.
To ensure that F1 cars do not run out of fuel during a race, team engineers start making calculations during winter testing to determine how much fuel is used per lap. These calculations are then refined race by race, taking into account modifications to the car and race conditions. During free practice sessions, different race paces are simulated to allow engineers to adjust their calculations accordingly.
F1 regulations have evolved to prioritize fuel efficiency and sustainability. Since 2014, F1 cars have been equipped with fuel-flow meters monitored by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) to ensure fuel consumption does not exceed 100 kilograms per hour. The FIA has also banned refuelling during races since the 2010 season due to budget and safety concerns.
F1 is committed to creating more sustainable fuels, with a goal of achieving 100% sustainable fuels by 2026. This involves developing fuels with a neutral carbon circle, ensuring that the carbon emitted during combustion matches the carbon utilised in production. F1 aims to reduce carbon emissions while also influencing the development of more sustainable passenger vehicles.
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Refuelling during races
Refuelling during Formula 1 races has been banned since the 2010 season due to safety and budget concerns. Teams initially approached the FIA and F1 bosses to ban refuelling to reduce costs, as transporting fuel rigs worldwide was expensive. The ban was rejected at first, as refuelling was considered an exciting part of race day, allowing less powerful teams to compete with stronger teams by reducing fuel loads to qualify for pole position.
However, refuelling during races was eventually banned in 2010, after safety concerns for the drivers. Before the ban, it was impossible to implement the rule as the fuel tanks inside the cars were too small. In 2010, the rules changed to allow cars to be 22cm bigger, accommodating larger fuel tanks.
The ban on refuelling during races has led to strategic calculations by engineers to ensure cars have sufficient fuel to complete the race without running out. These calculations begin during winter testing, refining fuel usage per lap and adjusting for car modifications and race conditions. During free practice sessions, different race paces are simulated to allow engineers to refine their calculations further. The car is then fuelled based on these calculations, aiming to finish the race with minimal extra weight.
While refuelling during Formula 1 races is prohibited, it is still common in other motorsports, such as IndyCar, NASCAR, and the World Endurance Championships, due to different race styles and regulations.
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Fuel optimisation
Firstly, teams must carefully calculate fuel usage to ensure their cars do not run out during a race. This involves analysing fuel consumption per lap during testing and refining these calculations for each race based on modifications and race conditions. The aim is to have enough fuel to finish the race while minimising excess weight, as a full fuel tank can slow the car down.
The design of the fuel tank is also critical to optimisation. Teams must study fuel consumption and design tanks that hold the optimal amount of fuel to finish the race while minimising weight. The tank must also be secure and leak-proof. Simulations and modelling are used to analyse fuel behaviour and the effects of different circuit conditions, such as forces on corners, to optimise the tank design.
Formula 1 regulations have played a role in fuel optimisation. Since 1996, the FIA has mandated that fuel must meet Euro 95 standards, similar to petrol available at service stations. This ensures that Formula 1 fuel is composed of compounds found in commercial petrol. However, manufacturers can still optimise fuel blends for specific teams, enhancing performance.
In recent years, there has been a push towards sustainability. Formula 1 introduced 'E10' fuel in 2022, a blend of 90% fuel and 10% renewable ethanol, with plans to transition to 100% sustainable fuels by 2026. This shift aims to reduce environmental impact and promote the use of alternative fuels in road cars.
Finally, strategies for optimising car performance based on FIA regulations are analysed and proposed. For example, data from on-board videos and lap times can be used to maximise the Power Unit's performance while adhering to regulations.
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Sustainable fuels
Formula 1 cars have been using fossil fuels since 1996, with the fuel being regulated by the FIA. The amount of fuel an F1 car can use per race was increased to 110 kilograms in 2019, with fuel-flow meters ensuring that the engine does not consume fuel at a rate greater than 100kg per hour. However, with the automotive industry facing scrutiny over its environmental impact, Formula 1 is striving to create a more sustainable future by shifting to 100% sustainable fuels by 2026.
The use of sustainable fuels in Formula 1 will demonstrate that electric vehicles can compete with traditional combustion engines, showcasing a greener alternative to the world. It is anticipated that by 2030, there will be close to two billion cars on the road, with only 8% being pure Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). This means that solutions beyond electric cars are needed to reduce carbon emissions. Sustainable fuels can also be used in existing internal combustion engines, making them a viable option for the vast number of cars that will still be in use.
The development of sustainable fuels for Formula 1 is an ambitious goal, but it is on target. By testing various blends of fuels, Formula 1 is working towards a greener future, not just for the sport but for the entire planet. With the sport's history of innovation, it is well-placed to pioneer technology that can be adopted by the wider automotive industry, helping to reduce the environmental impact of the transportation sector.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Formula 1 cars use fuel.
Formula 1 cars run on petrol. Since 1996, the fuel used by Formula 1 cars has been heavily regulated by the FIA. The fuel must be similar to what can be purchased at the pump for a road car, i.e., Euro 95 standard. However, the final product made for each Formula 1 team is highly optimised for peak performance by each manufacturer.
The amount of fuel a Formula 1 car can use per race was increased to 110 kilograms in 2019. However, it is rare for the tank to be filled to maximum capacity as this is not usually the fastest way to the finish line. Teams can be strategic with the amount of fuel on board, as a full tank weighs down the car.
No, refuelling during a race has been banned since 2010 due to safety and budget reasons. Teams now have to ensure that their cars have enough fuel to finish the race.
