Regan Brown
F1 cars are designed to be as light and aerodynamic as possible, which means that the fuel tank is relatively small compared to other types of cars. This means that the fuel consumption rate is high, and drivers must carefully manage their fuel usage throughout the race to avoid running out before the finish line. The maximum amount of fuel allowed in an F1 car per race is 110 kilograms or 110 litres. The amount of fuel an F1 car can use per race was increased to 110 kilograms in 2019 to allow drivers to push more of the time. Refuelling during the race is prohibited, so teams have to fill the car with enough fuel to last the entire duration. To ensure an F1 car doesn't run out of fuel during a race, team engineers start making calculations on how much fuel is used per lap throughout winter testing, then refine their calculations race by race based on modifications made to the car, and the conditions at each race to get their team to the finish line.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Maximum fuel allowed in F1 cars | 110 kilograms |
| Maximum fuel allowed outside the fuel cell | 250 milliliters |
| Minimum octane rating | 87 |
| Fuel flow rate | 100 kilograms per hour |
| Fuel flow meter check frequency | 2200 times per second |
| Fuel system | Surge collectors, low-pressure pumps, collector tank |
| Fuel pressure | Small positive pressure to prevent vacuum formation |
| Fuel temperature | Risk of cavitation increases with higher temperatures |
| Fuel composition | Similar to road car fuel, with compounds found in petrol |
| Fuel efficiency | Over 50% thermal efficiency |
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What You'll Learn
F1 fuel regulations
F1 regulations have increasingly focused on fuel efficiency and sustainability. Since 2010, refuelling during the race has been prohibited, with cars starting the race with a full fuel load. This rule was introduced by the FIA to reduce racing budgets and expenses and to enhance the safety of racers and crew.
The amount of fuel an F1 car can use per race has been modified over the years. In 2017, the fuel limit was 105 kilograms, which was increased to 110 kilograms in 2019 to allow drivers to push more. This increase was due to the extra drag caused by increased downforce aerodynamics, which led to higher fuel consumption.
F1 cars are also subject to various tests and regulations regarding their fuel systems. The cockpit, fuel tank, and nosebox are tested for structural integrity, with maximum deformation limits. The fuel tank must withstand a force of 12.5 kN (2,800 lbf) with a maximum deformation of 3 mm (0.12 in).
F1 is also moving towards hybrid technology and electrification, with the introduction of Energy Recovery Systems (ERS) and a shift to controlling fuel flow through a maximum energy flow rate. The 2020 Mercedes engine, for example, has a thermal efficiency of over 50%, an increase from around 44% in 2014.
Looking ahead, the next generation of F1 cars in 2026 will aim to use significantly less fuel and produce net-zero exhaust CO2 emissions. The target is for each car to use just 70 kilograms of fuel during a Grand Prix, with a shift to fully sustainable fuels derived from non-food sources, municipal waste, or atmospheric carbon.
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Calculating fuel per lap
F1 cars can use a maximum of 110 kilograms of fuel per race, which was increased from 105 kilograms in 2019. The cars do not always contain this maximum amount of fuel at the start of the race, as the more fuel a car starts with, the heavier it is, and the more lap time it costs.
To calculate the fuel per lap, engineers keep a check on the quantity of fuel used by the car in each lap. During winter testing, they analyse the car's performance and modify their calculations according to the changes that the car undergoes. They also take into consideration the type of race conducted in certain environmental conditions.
The cockpit runs for certain practice sessions before the race, which gives the engineers data to calculate an approximate quantity of fuel that the car requires to run the race. This also lets the engineer keep a check on the weight of the cockpit, which can affect the pace of the race.
Fuel flow meters measure both the amount of fuel used per lap and the instantaneous fuel flow. The fuel allocation for Le Mans is 80.2kg/hour maximum petrol flow for hybrid cars and 35.2kg per stint, with non-hybrid cars allowed a maximum petrol flow of 110kg/h and 52.9kg per stint. For other circuits, the fuel allocation is worked out by multiplying the circuit length relative to Le Mans by 1.11.
Fuel-corrected lap time can be calculated by taking the on-throttle time for a lap multiplied by the fuel flow limit and then adding something for out and in laps.
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Fuel pressure and cavitation
F1 fuel tanks are lightly pressurised, with an air pump inside the tank to prevent cavitation inside the lift pumps. Cavitation occurs when the fuel overheats and vapourises, preventing the high-pressure pump from achieving the pressures required to operate the injectors. This is more likely to occur when fuel levels are low and there is very little volume left to dissipate the temperature.
To prevent cavitation, F1 cars use a small pressure-relief valve that blows off when the collector is under pressure from the low-pressure pumps filling the collector. This puts a small amount of pressure on the feed line to the high-pressure pump, increasing the boiling point of the fuel and reducing the risk of cavitation.
The fuel system in an F1 car is designed to recover fuel from the tank and increase and regulate pressure through a sophisticated mechanical pump. The fuel must be delivered to the injectors at the correct pressure so that the quantity injected can be accurately metered. The injectors are controlled by the Standard Electronic Control Unit (SECU), which delivers fuel at high pressure into the intake air at the right instant in the engine cycle to achieve optimum cylinder filling and mixture preparation, ultimately promoting efficient combustion and engine performance.
The fueling systems are designed to ensure that the fuel lasts for the entire duration of the race. Engineers analyse the car's performance during winter testing and modify their calculations based on the changes the car undergoes. They also consider the type of race and environmental conditions.
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Fuel quality and optimisation
F1 fuel is heavily regulated by the FIA. The fuel used in F1 cars must be similar to what can be purchased at the pump for a road car, but it is highly optimised for peak performance by each manufacturer. While F1 fuel is not allowed to contain any compounds not found in regular petrol, the final product made for each F1 team is unique. For example, fuel made by Shell is optimised for Ferrari and would not perform at the same level if used by Mercedes.
F1 fuel regulations have pushed towards fuel efficiency in recent years. The 2020 Mercedes engine is over 50% thermally efficient, meaning that over half of the energy in the fuel is used to propel the car. This is an increase from around 44% in 2014 when these engines were introduced. The Energy Recovery Systems (ERS) elements of an F1 car ensure that as much waste energy is recovered as possible. The MGU-H collects and deploys wasted energy from the turbocharger, and the MGU-K recovers waste kinetic energy from the braking system.
The amount of fuel an F1 car can use per race was increased to 110 kilograms in 2019 to allow drivers to push more. Since 2014, F1 cars have also had fuel-flow meters to ensure that the engine cannot consume fuel at more than 100kg per hour. The sensor checks the flow 2200 times per second.
Engineers calculate 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 the conditions at each race. They also consider the weight of the car and the fuel to ensure optimal performance.
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Fuel-saving techniques
F1 cars have a limited amount of fuel, and they cannot be refuelled during the race. To ensure that they do not run out of fuel, F1 teams employ various fuel-saving techniques and strategies.
Firstly, during winter testing, engineers calculate the amount of fuel used per lap and then refine these calculations for each race. They consider the modifications made to the car and the specific conditions of each race track. During race weekends, different race paces are simulated during practice sessions to allow engineers to adjust their calculations accordingly. The car is then fuelled based on these calculations, aiming to have just enough fuel to finish the race without carrying any unnecessary weight.
Secondly, F1 cars use refined and high-quality fuel with a minimum octane rating of 87. The fuel composition is heavily regulated by the FIA to ensure it resembles commercial fuel while optimising performance. F1 fuel typically contains a mix of chemicals similar to those in regular petrol but is tailored by manufacturers for specific teams, enhancing engine power and performance.
Thirdly, F1 regulations have increasingly focused on fuel efficiency. The introduction of Energy Recovery Systems (ERS) aims to maximise waste energy recovery. The MGU-H component captures wasted energy from the turbocharger, while the MGU-K recovers waste kinetic energy from the braking system. These innovations not only improve efficiency but also contribute to F1's road relevancy and environmental sustainability.
Additionally, drivers employ specific driving techniques to conserve fuel. One such technique is "lift-and-coast," where the driver lifts off the throttle before the braking zone when approaching corners. This reduces fuel consumption and helps drivers manage their fuel usage throughout the race.
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Frequently asked questions
F1 teams must carefully manage their fuel consumption to ensure they have enough to finish the race. Teams must balance the need for speed with the need to conserve fuel. The amount of fuel an F1 car can use per race was increased to 110 kilograms in 2019, but they don't always fill the car with that much fuel as the more fuel a car starts with, the heavier it is, and the more time it loses per lap.
F1 teams use different engine maps for different parts of the race. During qualifying, teams will use an aggressive engine map that burns more fuel to achieve maximum power. During the race, they will use a more conservative engine map that burns less fuel to conserve it for later in the race.
Team engineers start making calculations on how much fuel is used per lap during winter testing, then refine their calculations race by race based on modifications made to the car and the conditions at each race. The car is then fuelled for the race based on these calculations, with the aim to have enough fuel to make it to the end of the race with the least amount of extra weight being carried.
Fuel consumption in F1 cars is influenced by circuit characteristics, car design and aerodynamics, and driver behaviour. The weight of the car, its aerodynamics, and the way a driver handles the car all affect fuel consumption. Lighter cars use less fuel, and aggressive driving, such as hard braking and accelerating, uses more fuel than smooth, controlled driving.
F1 cars use a specialized fuel known as "high-octane racing fuel". F1 fuels contain additives and blending agents to enhance combustion and are tailored to each team's specific engine characteristics. In recent years, there has been a push towards more sustainable fuels, such as advanced biofuels or synthetic fuels.
