Katerina Swanson
Formula 4 racing falls under the Formula One umbrella, which has been at the forefront of improving car efficiency. F1 cars can use a maximum of 110 kilograms of fuel per race (305km / 190 miles), but teams rarely fill up completely as more fuel means more weight, which slows the car down. The average F1 car gets approximately 6.2 miles per gallon, and with the average circuit length at 3.227 miles, this equates to around 30.68 gallons of fuel burned during a race. F1 cars are now turbocharged V6 engines that sometimes produce over 1000 horsepower, and they are more powerful and more fuel-efficient than ever.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Maximum fuel usage per race | 110 kilograms (242.51 pounds) or 30 gallons |
| Average fuel burned per race | 30.68 gallons |
| Average miles per gallon | 6.2 |
| Fuel flow rate | 100 kg/h |
| Fuel flow meters | Measure fuel used per lap and instantaneous fuel flow |
| Fuel saving techniques | Lift-and-coast, changing car settings |
| Fuel tank capacity | 18-18.5 US gallons (NASCAR), 30 gallons (F1) |
| Fuel type | 87-octane E10 (90% gas/10% ethanol) |
| Sustainable fuel | Non-food biomass, municipal waste, renewable non-biological sources |
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What You'll Learn
Formula 1 fuel tanks can hold 110kg of fuel, or around 30 gallons
Formula 1 fuel tanks can hold a maximum of 110 kilograms of fuel per race, which is equivalent to approximately 30 gallons. This limit was increased by 5 kilograms in 2019, allowing drivers to push harder throughout the race. The increase in downforce and resulting drag in the current generation of cars increased fuel consumption, making it difficult for drivers to finish the race without adopting fuel-saving measures.
F1 cars are equipped with turbocharged 1.6-liter V6 hybrid powertrains, generating 1,000 horsepower while running on 87-octane E10 fuel, which is a blend of 90% gas and 10% ethanol. Despite the high power output, these hybrid setups are highly efficient, achieving approximately 6.2 miles per gallon.
The amount of fuel burned during a race can vary, as teams have significant control over how much fuel is put into the car. The weight of the fuel directly impacts the car's performance, with heavier fuel loads resulting in slower lap times. Therefore, teams may opt to start the race with less than the maximum allowed fuel to gain a competitive advantage.
To ensure compliance with regulations, fuel flow meters are employed to monitor fuel consumption. These meters, overseen by the FIA, restrict fuel consumption to a maximum rate of 100 kilograms per hour, with the sensor checking the flow an astonishing 2200 times per second.
F1 is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2030 and is actively pursuing sustainable alternatives. The organization is developing synthetic e-fuels derived from water and carbon dioxide, aiming for a fossil-fuel-free composition. Additionally, F1 engines are evolving, with plans to replace the MGU-H with the MGU-K in 2026, increasing the hybrid portion of the powertrain's horsepower.
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F1 cars burn approximately 6.2 miles per gallon
F1 cars can use a maximum of 110 kilograms of fuel per race, which equates to 242.51 pounds of fuel. However, they don't always fill the car with that much fuel because the more fuel a car starts with, the heavier it is, and the more lap time it costs. This is why the weight of the fuel is considered instead of the volume.
In 2023, the average circuit length was 3.227 miles, and the average race is 58 laps or 190.2166 miles total. At a 6.2-mpg consumption rate, this means that around 30.68 gallons of fuel are burned during a race.
It's important to note that various factors can affect fuel use, including ambient temperature, individual car weight, and circuit design. Additionally, F1 engines are currently undergoing changes, with plans to introduce a new hybrid system in 2026, which may impact fuel consumption.
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Teams rarely use full fuel capacity, as weight slows the car down
While F1 cars are allowed a maximum fuel capacity of 110 kilograms per race, teams rarely fill the tank to its maximum capacity. This is because the more fuel a car starts with, the heavier it is, and the more lap time it loses.
In NASCAR, for example, teams are allowed to fill up with as much fuel as they want, and refuelling occurs during the races. The fuel cells in the cars hold approximately 18 US gallons, but teams will always try to put in as little as possible at a time so that the cars are lighter and, therefore, quicker.
Similarly, in MotoGP, teams are allowed to play with the volume of the fuel to fit more into the tank. While this makes the bikes heavier, it also allows riders to push for more of the race without worrying about running out of fuel.
In F1, the strategy is to short-fuel, taking the lap time and tyre life benefits of a lighter car and accepting a bit of strategic lift-and-coast later in the race if required. This strategy is often unnecessary, as laps behind the safety car or during a VSC can reduce fuel consumption.
In 2010, F1's governing body, the FIA, banned refuelling during the race for safety reasons and to cut costs. This meant that teams had to consider fuel management as part of their strategy plans to ensure they got the best performance out of their cars.
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F1 cars can go 190 miles (305km) on a full tank
F1 cars do not refuel during races, as rules forbid teams from doing so. Refuelling was banned after the 2009 season, and teams must now ensure their cars have enough fuel to last the entire race. This has resulted in the development of more fuel-efficient engines.
The fuel capacity of an F1 car is approximately 30 gallons, and the fuel burns much faster than in a regular car due to the higher performance level of the engines. The cars are designed to go the race distance and not much further, with the focus being on minimizing weight to maximize speed.
F1 cars have 1,000-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter V6 hybrid powertrains, achieving an efficiency of 6.2 miles per gallon. The fuel burns at a faster rate due to the high performance of the engines, with F1 cars designed to drive at the limit.
F1 is also committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2030, with plans to introduce 100% sustainable fuel and synthetic e-fuels made from water and carbon dioxide.
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F1 cars use both MGU-H and crankshaft-mounted MGU-K powertrains
Formula 1 cars are allowed a maximum of 110 kilograms of fuel per race (305 km / 190 miles). However, they do not always use the maximum allowance because heavier cars are slower. The amount of fuel an F1 car can use per race was increased to 110 kilograms in 2019, up from 105 kilograms, to prevent drivers from having to use fuel-saving techniques like lift-and-coast, which were stopping them from racing flat-out.
F1 engines currently use both the MGU-H and a crankshaft-mounted MGU-K. MGU stands for Motor Generator Unit, with K standing for kinetic and H for heat. The MGU-K is a kinetic energy recovery system connected to the crankshaft, which converts kinetic energy into electrical energy. The MGU-H is a heat energy recovery system arranged with the turbocharger, which converts heat energy from the exhaust gas into electrical energy. The MGU-H will be discontinued in 2026, leaving the MGU-K. This will increase the hybrid portion of the horsepower from 160 to 470.
The MGU-K and MGU-H work together to deliver a boost of power to the 1.6-litre petrol engine, which produces around 850 horsepower on its own, with an extra 150 horsepower coming from the energy recovery system. The MGU-K is capable of producing 120 kW, or 160 brake horsepower, and the power is available almost all the time. The driver can choose between two modes: full power around the entire lap, or a race mode that saves power for straightaways to allow the driver to pass other cars.
In NASCAR, teams are allowed to fill up with as much fuel as they want, and refuelling occurs during the races. The fuel cells in the cars hold approximately 18 US gallons, although teams will put in as little as possible to keep the car light and quick.
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Frequently asked questions
The amount of fuel burned per race depends on various factors, such as race length, car performance, and fuel efficiency. While there is no standard value, the maximum fuel capacity of Formula 1 cars is 110 kilograms, or around 30 gallons, which can take them up to 190 miles (305 km).
Weight is a crucial factor in a car's performance. The heavier the car, the more lap time is lost. Therefore, teams will rarely use their full fuel capacity and will instead calculate the required fuel load to ensure optimal performance.
Formula 1 organizations are aiming for net-zero emissions by 2030, with plans to introduce 100% sustainable fuel by 2026. This shift will likely extend to Formula 4 racers as well, promoting the use of fuel derived from non-food biomass, municipal waste, and renewable sources.
Formula 4 teams carefully calculate fuel usage and monitor engine performance to ensure their cars can complete the race without running out of fuel. Techniques such as lift-and-coast, changing car settings, and taking advantage of safety car periods help conserve fuel. Additionally, teams may start with 2 extra laps of fuel as a precaution and to maintain performance later in the race.
