Regan Brown
Formula One regulations have undergone several changes over the years, with a focus on balancing performance and sustainability. As of 2019, F1 cars are allowed a maximum of 110 kilograms of fuel per race, although teams often put in less fuel to reduce weight and improve lap times. This limit was previously set at 105 kilograms in 2018 and 100 kilograms when hybrid power units were introduced in 2014. The fuel is calculated by weight instead of volume, as volume can change with temperature. F1 cars now use E10 fuel, a blend of 90% unleaded petrol and 10% renewable ethanol, with plans to transition to fully sustainable fuel by 2026.
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What You'll Learn
F1 cars can use a maximum of 110kg of fuel per race
The fuel limit for F1 cars is calculated in weight rather than litres or gallons. This is because the volume of fuel changes according to temperature, whereas the mass does not. The colder the fuel, the denser it is, and the more calorific it becomes. This could provide a significant advantage, as seen in the past when refuelling was allowed and fuel hoses pumped fuel at a set rate.
To ensure safety, F1's technical regulations stipulate that fuel must not be stored below 10 degrees Celsius, and the rules ban teams from installing chillers in the car. The fuel is shipped in 200-litre drums and stored at the circuit in a fuel dump, with the amount needed for the next day delivered to the garages in the evening.
While F1 cars can carry up to 110kg of fuel, it is rare for the tank to be filled to maximum capacity as this is not usually the fastest way to the finish line. The more fuel in the car, the heavier it is, and the more lap time it costs. Instead, team engineers calculate how much fuel is needed to complete the race, aiming to have just enough to reach the finish line.
The focus on efficiency in F1 has led to important breakthroughs that benefit wider society. The introduction of hybrid power units in 2014 marked a shift towards balancing high performance with sustainability. As the automotive industry faces increasing pressure to address its environmental impact, F1 is leading the way forward with the introduction of E10 fuel, a blend of 90% unleaded petrol and 10% renewable ethanol, with the aim of transitioning to fully sustainable, carbon-neutral fuel by 2026.
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Teams calculate fuel usage per lap during winter testing
F1 teams are allowed a maximum of 110 kilograms of fuel per race (305km or 190 miles). However, cars are rarely fuelled to the maximum capacity because the heavier the car, the more lap time it loses.
To ensure an F1 car doesn't run out of fuel during a race, team engineers calculate fuel usage per lap during winter testing. They then refine these calculations race by race, based on modifications made to the car and the conditions at 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 for the race 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. Teams will take into account track length and track-specific fuel consumption to tailor the total fuel load.
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 calculated by multiplying the circuit length relative to Le Mans by 1.11.
Although F1 fuel is calculated in weight, litres are used for shipping. Once the fuel arrives in the garage, mass rather than volume is the measurement of choice because the volume of fuel will change according to temperature, whereas the mass will not.
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F1 fuel is calculated by weight, not volume
F1 fuel calculations are based on weight rather than volume, with litres being used only for shipping. The reason for this is that the volume of fuel fluctuates with temperature, while the mass remains constant. For instance, chilled fuel is denser and therefore more calorific, which could provide a significant advantage. To prevent this, F1 regulations prohibit fuel from being stored at temperatures lower than 10°C below the ambient temperature.
The maximum fuel allowance for F1 races has changed over the years, with the limit set at 100kg in 2014, 105kg in 2018, and 110kg in 2019. This increase in the fuel limit was implemented to address the challenges posed by heavier tyres and additional safety equipment, and the use of the 'lift-and-coast' technique by drivers. While the cars can carry up to 110kg of fuel, it is rare for the tanks to be filled to maximum capacity as it is not usually the fastest way to complete the race.
To ensure that F1 cars do not run out of fuel during a race, engineers employ complex calculations. These calculations are refined over time, taking into account modifications to the car and race-specific conditions. During free practice sessions, different race paces are simulated to fine-tune the fuel calculations. The aim is to have enough fuel to complete the race without compromising speed.
While refuelling during races is prohibited in F1, it is allowed during free practice and qualifying. However, it must be done in the competitors' garages with the engine turned off, adhering to strict safety protocols. F1 cars are now designed with larger fuel tanks to accommodate the full fuel load required for the entire race distance.
In summary, F1 fuel calculations are based on weight rather than volume to ensure consistency and fairness in race performance. The maximum fuel allowance has evolved, and engineers play a crucial role in optimising fuel usage to balance speed and endurance. The ban on refuelling during races has led to strategic adjustments in fuel management, showcasing the sport's dynamic nature and ongoing pursuit of innovation.
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In-race refuelling was banned in 2010
In Formula 1, the amount of fuel allowed is calculated in weight rather than volume, with a maximum of 110 kilograms of fuel allowed per race (305km / 190 miles). This limit was increased from 105 kilograms in 2019 to allow drivers to push harder without worrying about fuel conservation.
The ban on in-race refuelling means that cars must start each race with enough fuel to finish, and larger fuel tanks have been implemented to accommodate this. This has resulted in heavier cars, which some critics argue has led to less exciting, processional racing. However, the ban has also removed the strategic advantage of splitting fuel loads, which could be used to execute a pass, making other factors such as KERS and DRS less important.
The refuelling ban was initially proposed by the F1 teams' association, citing cost savings from no longer having to transport refuelling equipment worldwide. Additionally, the number one cause of F1 car fires was eliminated, improving overall safety.
While in-race refuelling is no longer permitted, teams can still change fuel loads during practice sessions and qualifications (except for the final qualifying session). This can impact race strategy, as engineers may decide to fuel the cars for only one push lap to set a faster time with a lighter car.
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F1 fuel must be similar to commercial fuel
F1 fuel is highly regulated by the sport's governing body, the FIA, and must be similar to commercial pump petrol. The regulations are designed to ensure that the fuel used in F1 is not entirely dissimilar to that used in road cars. F1 fuel is formulated from compounds found in commercial fuels, with strict regulation of impurities, and cannot contain exotic power-boosting chemical compounds. The FIA regulations state that the fuels used in F1 cars must be similar to what can be purchased at the pump for a road car. This is to ensure safety for both drivers and the pit crew.
F1 fuel is calculated in weight, not volume, as the volume of fuel changes with temperature, whereas weight does not. F1 fuel is also different from commercial fuel in that it is formulated for extreme efficiency and power. It has a higher octane rating than standard pump petrol and contains carefully controlled levels of oxygenates like ethanol. Each batch must fall within tightly defined chemical parameters to prevent teams from gaining unfair advantages through exotic additives.
F1 fuel is also subject to weight restrictions. While the rules do not dictate a specific volume of fuel that must be used, there is a maximum weight of fuel that is mandated. Teams must declare the amount of fuel they are putting in the car before the race, and they cannot refuel during the event. Engineers calculate the exact quantity needed to complete the race distance at the desired pace while leaving a mandatory 1-litre sample for scrutiny.
F1 fuel is constantly being developed and 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. The development of F1 fuel is an industry in itself, with companies like ExxonMobil constantly working to create new blends that deliver more power or better economy.
In conclusion, while F1 fuel must be similar to commercial fuel, it is also highly optimised and regulated to achieve peak performance, efficiency, and power. The development of F1 fuel is a complex and ever-evolving process that involves a balance of innovation and adherence to strict regulations.
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Frequently asked questions
F1 cars can use a maximum of 110 kilograms of fuel per race.
The volume of fuel changes with temperature, while mass does not.
Team engineers calculate fuel usage per lap during winter testing and refine these calculations for each race based on modifications to the car and race conditions.
F1 cars use E10 fuel, which is a blend of 90% unleaded petrol and 10% renewable ethanol.
Fuel bladders are mandated by F1 regulations instead of rigid tanks for safety reasons. In the event of a crash, the fuel bladder mustn't leak.
