Regan Brown
Formula One (F1) cars are single-seat, open-cockpit, open-wheel racing cars used for competing in Formula One racing events. F1 cars can carry a maximum of 110 kilograms of fuel per race. This limit was increased from 105 kilograms in 2019 to allow drivers to push harder during the race. The amount of fuel an F1 car carries is calculated in weight rather than volume because fuel expands and contracts depending on temperature. The calculation of fuel is a complex process, factoring in the fuel used per lap, modifications to the car, and race conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel calculation | Calculated in weight, not volume |
| Fuel type | Unleaded petrol and ethanol |
| Ethanol content | 10% |
| Maximum fuel | 110 kg per race |
| Minimum fuel for inspection | 1 kg |
| Fuel container | Single rubber bladder |
| Fuel pressure | Strictly controlled |
| Fuel flow | 100 kg per hour |
| Fuel temperature | Not less than 10 degrees Celsius below ambient temperature or 10 degrees Celsius |
| Fuel efficiency | Over 50% |
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F1 fuel regulations
F1 cars can carry a maximum of 110 kg of fuel per race, with at least 1 kg to be made available for post-race inspection. The amount of fuel an F1 car can use per race was increased to 110 kg in 2019, up from 105 kg in 2017, to allow drivers to push more of the time. The weight of the fuel is calculated rather than the volume, and the density of the fuel varies.
Since 2010, refuelling during the race has been prohibited, and cars now start with a full fuel load. This was to encourage fuel efficiency, with the 2020 Mercedes engine achieving over 50% thermal efficiency. The Energy Recovery Systems (ERS) elements of an F1 car aim to recover as much waste energy as possible.
The FIA Technical Regulations ensure that fuel pressure is strictly controlled, with sensors measuring the pressure and temperature of the fuel. Cars must not exceed a fuel mass flow of 100 kg per hour, and competitors must allow for a one-litre sample of fuel to be taken from the car. The fuel tank must be a 'single rubber bladder' that conforms to strict FIA safety rules.
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Calculating fuel per race
The amount of fuel an F1 car can carry is calculated in weight, not volume. F1 cars can carry a maximum of 110 kilograms of fuel per race. This regulation was introduced in 2019, increasing the previous limit by 5 kilograms.
The amount of fuel an F1 car carries is calculated by engineers during winter testing, where they calculate fuel usage per lap. These calculations are then refined race by race, depending on modifications made to the car and the conditions of each race. During the free practice sessions of a race weekend, different race paces are used to simulate certain periods of the pre-planned race strategy, allowing engineers to adjust their calculations accordingly.
The car is fuelled based on these calculations, with the aim of having enough fuel to make it to the end of the race with the least amount of extra weight being carried. This is because the more fuel a car starts with, the heavier it is, and the more lap time it costs.
Since 2014, F1 cars have been fitted with fuel-flow meters, monitored by the FIA, to ensure that the engine cannot consume fuel at more than 100 kilograms per hour. The FIA also requires a one-litre sample of fuel to be taken from the car to ensure there are no forbidden additives.
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Fuel weight
F1 cars can carry a maximum of 110 kilograms of fuel per race (305km / 190 miles). However, teams often opt to carry less fuel than the allocated maximum. This is because the more fuel in the car, the heavier it is, and the more lap time it costs. The weight of the fuel is calculated by engineers during winter testing, who then refine their calculations race by race. The aim is to have enough fuel to make it to the end of the race with the least amount of extra weight being carried.
The amount of fuel an F1 car can use per race was increased to 110 kilograms in 2019 (up from 105 kilograms). This change was made to allow drivers to push harder throughout the race. The aerodynamics on the current generation of cars increase downforce, and the resulting extra drag has increased fuel consumption across the grid. This increase in consumption meant that drivers were struggling to reach the end of the race without using fuel-saving techniques such as lift-and-coast.
In 2014, F1 cars were fitted with fuel-flow meters, monitored by the FIA, to ensure that the engine cannot consume fuel at more than the rate of 100kg per hour. The sensor checks the flow 2200 times per second. The 2020 season saw the introduction of a second fuel-flow sensor to better police the rules surrounding fuel usage, with encrypted data to ensure that the teams cannot circumvent the measurements.
F1 fuel is a mixture of unleaded petrol and ethanol with a tightly controlled mixture ratio. As a part of the regulation change in 2022, the ethanol content was increased from 5.75% to 10%. F1 fuel must be similar to what can be purchased at the pump for a road car.
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Fuel efficiency
The fuel used in F1 cars is a mixture of unleaded petrol and ethanol, with the latter's content increased from 5.75% to 10% in 2022 as part of a push towards sustainability. This fuel blend must adhere to strict regulations regarding composition and be similar to what is available at petrol stations for road cars. While the fuel mixture for F1 cars is optimised for performance, it dispels the notion that it is a high-octane concoction vastly different from commercial fuel.
F1 cars have also evolved in their design and engine technology to improve fuel efficiency. The introduction of turbocharged engines, advanced metal alloys, and energy recovery systems has contributed to higher efficiency and speed. The focus on sustainability and cost reduction since the 2000s has further influenced the development of more fuel-efficient cars.
The calculation of fuel quantity for each race is a strategic decision. Engineers start with calculations during winter testing, refining them based on modifications to the car and race conditions. The aim is to have sufficient fuel to complete the race while minimising extra weight, as a heavier car can cost valuable lap time. This balance between fuel load and car performance highlights the importance of fuel efficiency in F1 racing.
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Fuel safety
The FIA, the governing body of F1, has implemented stringent regulations regarding fuel composition, including tight restrictions on elements such as oxygen, nitrogen, and manganese, as well as properties such as electrical conductivity and boiling point. These regulations ensure that the fuel used in F1 cars is similar to what is available at petrol stations for road cars, with a minimum octane rating of 87. The use of compounds not found in commercial pump fuel is strictly prohibited, although the final product for each F1 team is highly optimised for peak performance.
To prevent accidents and ensure compliance with regulations, F1 cars are equipped with sensors that monitor fuel pressure and temperature. These sensors help maintain fuel mass flow within the limit of 100 kilograms per hour, as stipulated by the FIA. Additionally, teams must provide a one-litre sample of fuel for inspection, with any abnormalities or failure to provide samples resulting in disqualification from the race.
F1 regulations have also targeted sustainability and cost reduction. The introduction of energy recovery systems aims to maximise waste energy recovery, with breakthroughs in fuel technology benefiting wider society. Since 2014, F1 cars have been equipped with fuel-flow meters, monitored by the FIA, to ensure compliance with fuel consumption limits. The push for fuel efficiency has led to significant improvements, with modern F1 power units achieving over 50% thermal efficiency, compared to around 44% in 2014.
Safety precautions extend beyond the fuel itself, with strict regulations governing the placement of the fuel bladder within the vehicle. According to the FIA Technical Regulations, no lines containing fuel may pass through the cockpit, providing an additional layer of protection for the driver. Furthermore, the fuel in the car must not be colder than 10 degrees Celsius below ambient temperature or 10 degrees Celsius, whichever is lower, when the car is running outside the garage. This regulation prevents the use of devices to lower fuel temperature, further emphasising the focus on safety and fair competition.
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Frequently asked questions
F1 cars can carry a maximum of 110 kilograms of fuel per race.
The more fuel a car starts with, the heavier it is, and the more lap time it costs.
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.
Since 1970, F1 regulations have mandated the use of fuel bladders instead of rigid tanks. The fuel bladder is made of high-quality rubber lined with kevlar for protection against crashes and is located in front of the engine, behind the cockpit.
