Mercedes Mullins
Formula 1 cars are known for their small size and lightweight bodies. Interestingly, their fuel tanks are quite the opposite. The tanks can hold up to 30 gallons or 110 kilograms of fuel, which is the maximum allowed for a race. This is a recent development, as the rules regarding fuel tanks and consumption in F1 have been evolving over the years, with a push towards greater fuel efficiency and sustainability.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel type | High-octane road fuel with octane thresholds between 87 and 102 |
| Fuel calculation | Calculated in weight, not volume |
| Maximum fuel capacity | 110 kilograms, 30 gallons, or 113.5 litres |
| Fuel tank composition | Military-grade Kevlar, reinforced with rubber |
| Refuelling | Banned during races since 2010 |
| Fuel suppliers | Shell, Elf, Mobil, Petronas |
| Fuel-flow meters | Introduced in 2014, monitored by FIA |
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What You'll Learn
F1 fuel tanks can hold up to 110 litres of fuel
The fuel capacity of F1 cars has changed numerous times over the years, with the most significant changes occurring in 2010 when refuelling during races was banned, and in 2014 with the introduction of the hybrid system. Since 2010, F1 teams have had to develop more fuel-efficient engines that can complete the full race distance of 190 miles without refuelling. This has presented a challenge for engineers and drivers, requiring careful calculations and engine performance monitoring to ensure the car does not run out of fuel during the race.
F1 fuel tanks are designed with safety and performance in mind, utilising military-grade Kevlar reinforced with rubber to withstand high G-forces and prevent punctures. The tanks are oddly shaped to fit at the back end of the monocoque and are ribbed to keep all 30 sections intact. The placement of the tank between the driver and the engine affects the car's centre of gravity, with a lower placement improving handling.
While F1 fuel is similar to ordinary premium fuel or commercially available gasoline, it is highly optimised for performance by each manufacturer. The fuel blend is tailored to different weather conditions and racing circuits, and it must comply with regulations set by the Formula 1 governing body, FIA. To improve fuel efficiency, F1 cars now use hybrid engines that combine an internal combustion engine with electric motors, resulting in significant fuel savings.
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F1 cars are not refuelled during races
The safety of drivers and pit crew members was a key concern. In 2009, Heikki Kovalainen drove off with the fuel rig still attached, which caused a fire that engulfed Kimi Raikkonen's car. By banning refuelling, the FIA aimed to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Additionally, the FIA wanted to reduce the costs associated with transporting fuel rigs from track to track worldwide, as requested by the teams. While refuelling was initially considered an exciting part of race day, the potential dangers and financial burden ultimately outweighed this excitement.
To ensure F1 cars have enough fuel to complete the race distance without refuelling, teams make careful calculations. They consider track conditions, car setup, and modifications made to the vehicle. The aim is to start the race with the lowest amount of fuel needed to finish, as a full tank adds weight and negatively impacts performance.
F1 fuel tanks have a capacity of around 30 gallons (approximately 110-113.5 litres) and can hold up to 110 kilograms of fuel. The tanks are made from military-grade Kevlar and rubber, with a design that prioritises safety and performance. They are placed at the rear of the monocoque to ensure the driver's safety and maintain consistency across all competing cars.
While F1 cars do not refuel during races, they are allowed to refuel during practice and qualifying sessions up until the third session of qualifying.
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F1 fuel is similar to ordinary premium fuel
F1 fuel is indeed similar to ordinary premium fuel. The fuel that F1 cars use is a type of high-octane road fuel, with octane thresholds ranging from 95 to 102. This is comparable to the petrol used in ordinary cars, which typically has an octane rating of around 95 to 98.
While F1 fuel is similar to premium fuel, it has a much more tightly controlled mixture. The specific blends are highly tuned for performance, taking into account different weather conditions and racing circuits. F1 fuel is therefore a specialised type of fuel that is designed to optimise the performance of these high-performance racing cars.
The rules and regulations governing F1 fuel stipulate that it must be road car-grade petrol with only minor alterations. This means that, theoretically, you could fill up an F1 car with ordinary premium fuel, and vice versa, without any major issues. However, due to the tightly tuned maps of F1 cars, they are generally less efficient on pump gas as it does not have the same tolerances as a street car ECU.
F1 fuel suppliers, such as Elf, Mobil, Petronas, and Shell, must submit samples of the fuel they will be using for a race to ensure compliance with the regulations set by the Formula 1 governing body, the FIA. The introduction of hybrid engines in F1 cars has further emphasised the importance of fuel efficiency, with the 2020 Mercedes engine achieving over 50% thermal efficiency.
In summary, while F1 fuel is similar to ordinary premium fuel in terms of octane rating, it is a highly specialised fuel that is optimised for performance and efficiency in the context of F1 racing. The precise blends and engineering behind F1 fuel contribute to the impressive capabilities of these racing cars.
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F1 fuel tanks are made from military-grade kevlar
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 the more fuel a car starts with, the heavier it is, and the more lap time it costs. The amount of fuel an F1 car can use per race was increased to 110 kilograms in 2019 (an increase of 5 kilograms) to allow drivers to push harder.
F1 fuel tanks of today have a capacity of 30 gallons or 110 litres of fuel, the maximum allowed for a race. The tanks are made from polyurethane and military-grade Kevlar to improve safety, enhance space usage, and maintain flexibility during races. The use of Kevlar makes the fuel tanks structurally sound and robust, and practically indestructible.
The early designs of fuel tanks for F1 cars were manufactured with aluminium cases positioned behind the cockpit. Since 2010, F1 has started using a new kind of fuel tank. It is a bladder made of a single puncture-proof bladder composed of military-grade ballistic material Kevlar, reinforced with rubber. It is approved by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) under FT5 standards.
The manufacturing process involves the simultaneous vulcanization of the entire structure, creating a seamless and robust fuel bladder. The fuel tanks are oddly shaped for their placement at the back end of the monocoque and are ribbed to keep all 30 sections of the tank intact. The fuel tanks are designed to be flexible and self-sealing to prevent ruptures, fuel spillage, and fires in the event of accidents.
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F1 fuel is measured by weight, not volume
F1 fuel is measured by weight, in kilograms, rather than volume. This is because liquid changes volume under pressure and temperature, whereas weight is dependent on mass alone. For example, if you take two separate kilos of fuel and cool one to a significantly lower temperature than the other, it will take up less volume, but each will still weigh a kilo.
F1 fuel tanks have a capacity of around 30 gallons or 110 litres of fuel, which is the maximum allowed for a race. The amount of fuel an F1 car can use per race is 110 kilograms, although 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 lap time it costs.
The fuel flow rate is monitored by fuel flow meters, which are checked 2200 times per second, and must not exceed 100kg per hour. This is to ensure the engine does not consume fuel at a rate higher than is allowed.
The FIA requires a 1-litre sample of fuel after qualifying, which is taken by volume. This is because it is a standard measurement that can be implemented across all teams, and it is easier to fill a container to a "1-litre" line than it is to weigh small amounts of liquid.
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Frequently asked questions
F1 cars use a maximum of 110 kilograms of fuel per race (305km / 190 miles). This equates to around 30 gallons or 110-113.5 litres of fuel.
F1 cars can hold a maximum of 140 litres of fuel.
Teams make calculations based on the track conditions and the setup of the car to determine the amount of fuel they'll need to finish the race. As the fuel tank's capacity is large, filling it up completely would add extra weight to the car and negatively impact its performance.
Refuelling during a race has been banned by the FIA since 2010 for safety and budget reasons.
F1 cars use a minimum of 87-octane fuel, which is similar to ordinary premium fuel or commercially available gasoline.
