Sylvie Willis
Formula 1 cars are fuelled by petrol, with the fuel being heavily regulated by the FIA since 1996. The fuel used must be formulated from compounds found in commercial fuels, with strict regulation of impurities, and cannot contain exotic power-boosting chemical compounds. The amount of fuel used varies depending on the race, with F1 cars able to use a maximum of 110 kilograms of fuel per race (305km / 190 miles). The fuel efficiency of an F1 car has improved by 15% over the past decade, with teams spending up to $2 million on fuel alone throughout an F1 season.
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F1 fuel regulations
Since 1996, the fuel used in Formula 1 cars has been heavily regulated by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile). The regulations have undergone significant changes since their introduction in the late 1940s.
In 1996, a rule was introduced stipulating that fuel had to meet the Euro 95 standard, meaning 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 is highly optimised for peak performance by each manufacturer.
In 2010, refuelling during races was banned for safety and budgetary reasons. As a result, F1 cars now start the race with a full tank of fuel, typically weighing 110 kilograms. This maximum weight of fuel mandated in F1 contrasts with MotoGP, where teams can play with fuel volume to fit more into the tank.
Over the years, the FIA has introduced various engine formulae to reduce power and improve sustainability and cost reduction. For instance, in 2005, the FIA enforced material and design restrictions to limit power. In 2006, a new engine formula mandated cars to be powered by a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine configuration, with no more than four valves per cylinder and banned variable intake trumpets. In 2009, engines were limited to 18,000 rpm to improve reliability and cut costs. In 2014, the FIA introduced 1.6-litre, six-cylinder turbocharged engines with a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) to increase fuel efficiency.
Looking ahead, the next generation of F1 cars in 2026 will use significantly less energy and produce net-zero exhaust CO2 emissions. These power units will run on fully sustainable fuels, with carbon derived from non-food sources, genuine municipal waste, or the atmosphere.
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Fuel efficiency
The fuel efficiency of F1 cars has improved by 15% over the past decade. In 2012, the engines consumed around 75 L/100 km (3.8 mpg), while the current gas consumption is estimated to be around 7 mpg (39.85 L/100 km). This improvement is particularly impressive considering the increasing downforce and drag, which negatively impact fuel efficiency.
F1 fuel has been heavily regulated by the FIA since 1996, with rules mandating that it must meet the Euro 95 standard, meaning it contains the same compounds as petrol used in road cars. While F1 fuel is optimised for performance, it has also contributed to breakthroughs in fuel technology for commercial settings.
The introduction of hybrid electrical systems in F1 cars has furthered the focus on fuel efficiency. While the energy contribution of these systems is considered negligible compared to liquid hydrocarbon fuel, it aligns with the sport's move towards sustainability and road relevancy.
The materials and design of F1 cars have also evolved to improve efficiency. In the 1990s, the use of advanced metal alloys such as titanium and beryllium reduced weight and improved efficiency. More recently, the FIA has implemented measures such as a cap on car parts, usage of mixed fuel, and energy recovery systems to promote sustainability and cost reduction.
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Fuel types
Since 1996, the fuel used in Formula 1 cars has been heavily regulated by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). The regulations state that the fuel used in F1 cars must be similar to what can be purchased at the pump for a road car, i.e., it must be of Euro 95 standard. This means that F1 fuel cannot contain any compounds not found in petrol put into road cars.
However, the final product made for each F1 team 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.
F1 cars can use a maximum of 110 kilograms of fuel per race (305 km or 190 miles). This limit was increased from 105 kg in 2018, as F1 bosses wanted drivers to be able to push their cars to the limit lap after lap without worrying about conserving fuel. The amount of fuel an F1 car can use per race was further increased to 110 kilograms in 2019, allowing drivers to push more of the time.
F1 cars have also seen an improvement in fuel efficiency, with a 15% increase over the past decade. In 2012, the engines consumed around 450 litres of air per second with a race fuel consumption rate of 75 litres per 100 kilometres.
For the 2022 F1 season, the bio-component ratio increased to 10% with the introduction of E10 fuel, a blend of 90% fuel and 10% renewable ethanol. F1 is on course to deliver 100% sustainable fuels by 2026, with the ultimate aim of achieving carbon neutrality.
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Fuel weight
To optimise performance, F1 teams carefully calculate the amount of fuel needed for each race, taking into account factors such as track length, fuel consumption rate, and engine efficiency. The goal is to minimise the amount of fuel carried to reduce weight, while ensuring they have enough to complete the race.
The maximum fuel weight allowed in F1 races has been a topic of discussion and has undergone changes over the years. In 2018, the limit was set at 105 kilograms, which was increased to 110 kilograms in 2019 to promote "'full power' racing" and allow drivers to push their cars to the limit without worrying about fuel conservation. This change also resulted in more high-octane racing during the closing stages of the race.
In addition to the fuel weight limit, F1 regulations have also focused on other aspects related to fuel. For example, refuelling during races was banned starting from the 2010 season due to budget and safety concerns. Teams advocated for this ban to reduce the costs associated with transporting fuel rigs from track to track.
Furthermore, F1 fuel has been heavily regulated by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) since 1996. The regulations mandate that the fuel used in F1 cars must meet the Euro 95 standard, which means it should have the same compounds as the petrol used in road cars. While the fuel blends use the same chemicals as commercial fuel, they are optimised by manufacturers for each F1 team to achieve peak performance.
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Fuel optimisation
Since 1996, the fuel Formula 1 cars use has been heavily regulated by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). The regulations governing the cars are specified by the FIA and have undergone considerable changes since their introduction in the late 1940s. One of the most significant regulations is the fuel flow limit, which restricts the amount of fuel that can flow to the engine per hour. This rule forces teams to optimise engine performance while adhering to fuel constraints. The total fuel allowance for a race is capped at 110 kilograms, requiring meticulous fuel management throughout the race.
The introduction of these rules aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the sport and encourage innovation in fuel-efficient technologies. Teams must use specific fuel blends that meet environmental standards, further pushing the boundaries of what is possible with current technology. These regulations have made the sport more environmentally friendly and levelled the playing field, as teams must find new ways to gain a competitive edge within the constraints.
The future of fuel efficiency in Formula 1 is expected to be shaped by several upcoming technologies. One notable advancement is the development of synthetic fuels, which are designed to be carbon-neutral and provide a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Additionally, advancements in battery technology and the use of ultra-lightweight materials will play a significant role in improving fuel efficiency.
The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimise fuel management and race strategies in real time is another trend that will make Formula 1 cars smarter and more efficient. As global regulations on carbon emissions become stricter, Formula 1 is likely to adopt even stricter fuel efficiency standards, solidifying its commitment to sustainability and innovation.
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Frequently asked questions
F1 cars can use a maximum of 110 kilograms of fuel per race (305km / 190 miles). However, they don't always fill the car with that much fuel as it makes the car heavier, which costs lap time.
F1 cars are designed to ensure that the fuel lasts for the entire duration of the race. The engineers keep a check on the quantity of fuel used by the car in each lap.
F1 cars run on petrol. The fuel used in F1 is heavily regulated by the FIA and must be formulated from compounds found in commercial fuels.
Each competitor can have up to five formulations approved for use during the season and can have a maximum of two of those available at each event.
F1 teams use the steering wheel, which has an array of knobs, buttons, and levers to control various functions of the car such as gears, engine revolutions, fuel-air mix, brake balance, and differential mapping.
