Ameer Randolph
Formula 3 race cars currently use ordinary unleaded racing gasoline as fuel, which is similar to commercial vehicle unleaded street gasoline. Since 2023, Aramco has been the official fuel and lubricant partner and supplier of all FIA Formula 3 Championship entrants, providing fuel containing 55% sustainable (biosourced) materials. This is part of Formula 1's plan to have 100% sustainable, synthetic fuels by 2026, with the ultimate goal of net-zero carbon by 2030. While the push towards electrification has been prioritized by governments and carmakers, the use of internal combustion engines will continue, making it essential to shift to the production of non-fossil-fuel-based fuels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Petroleum-based unleaded racing gasoline |
| Fuel Provider | Elf (2019-2022), Aramco (2023-present) |
| Sustainability | 55% sustainable materials, with a target of 100% by 2027 |
| Fuel Usage | Around 300,000 liters per year |
| Engine Type | 2.0 L engine with a 28 mm width restrictor, producing approximately 260 hp |
| Engine Manufacturer | HWA-tuned Mercedes and Volkswagen engines dominate, with Mugen, TOM'S-Toyota, Opel, and Fiat also used |
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What You'll Learn
Formula 3 fuel is similar to commercial vehicle unleaded street gasoline
Formula 3 fuel is indeed similar to commercial vehicle unleaded street gasoline. In fact, since the introduction of the GP3 Series in 2010, all Formula 3 cars have used ordinary unleaded racing gasoline as fuel. This is comparable to the gasoline used in commercial vehicles.
Formula 3 fuel is sourced from a single supplier and is of a similar standard to pump/street gasoline. The current fuel supplier for Formula 3 is Aramco, which provides advanced fuel containing 55% sustainable materials. This move towards sustainability is part of Formula 1's plan to introduce 100% sustainable fuels by 2026 and achieve net-zero carbon by 2030.
The use of unleaded racing gasoline in Formula 3 allows for impressive performance. Formula 3 cars can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3 seconds, with a top speed of around 300 km/h. This acceleration is comparable to that of high-end road-going sports cars.
It is worth noting that while the fuel chemistry in Formula 3 is similar to commercial vehicle unleaded street gasoline, there are still some differences in performance. In a comparison test, Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso found that race fuel helped with acceleration, while commercial fuel provided a higher top speed. Despite this, Alonso remarked that the Shell V-Power road fuel felt "just as quick" as the Formula One fuel.
In summary, Formula 3 fuel is similar to commercial vehicle unleaded street gasoline in terms of chemistry and performance, but with some differences in acceleration and top speed capabilities. The use of ordinary unleaded racing gasoline in Formula 3 contributes to the impressive acceleration and speed of these racing vehicles.
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F3 cars use fuel with 55% sustainable materials
F3 cars are now using fuel with 55% sustainable materials, marking a significant step towards the use of 100% sustainable, synthetic fuels. This new fuel mixture, introduced in 2023, includes bio-sourced ingredients, such as materials generated from captured and stored carbon dioxide or non-food biologically grown material. The use of sustainable fuels in F3 is part of Formula 1's plan to introduce 100% sustainable fuels across the sport by 2026, with the ultimate goal of running fully synthetic fuel as part of the net-zero carbon 2030 initiative.
The introduction of the 55% sustainable fuel in F3 is a gradual approach towards the use of carbon-captured gasoline. In 2025, the focus will shift to a blend containing 55% gasoline made from direct carbon capture, and by 2027, F3 aims to race entirely on 100% sustainable carbon-captured fuel. This timeline is ambitious, given the current scalability challenges associated with biological carbon capture methods, which rely on the growth of natural sources like trees, ponds, and algae. However, F3's high fuel consumption of around 300,000 litres per year presents a unique opportunity to pioneer the use of carbon capture technology and demonstrate its potential for reducing carbon emissions.
The use of sustainable fuels in F3 has received positive initial feedback from team principals, although they have also acknowledged the need for further assessment of its functionality and reliability. The new fuel mixture's debut was promising, with drivers completing laps without noticing any significant differences in performance compared to previous seasons. This seamless transition to more sustainable fuel is a positive sign as F3 continues to strive for greater environmental responsibility while maintaining the excitement and competitiveness of the races.
The push towards sustainable fuels in F3 is not just about environmental considerations but also about cost-effectiveness and performance. As costs of carbon capture technology decrease, the potential for producing sustainable fuel at a competitive price increases. Additionally, the use of sustainable fuels can enhance performance by providing better acceleration compared to traditional fuels, as seen in F1 testing. F3's single-make championship structure also facilitates this transition, as they can impose the use of specific fuels across all teams, allowing for a consistent evaluation of the new fuel's impact.
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F3 fuel is supplied by Aramco
Formula 3 race cars are petroleum-based fuel vehicles. However, in 2023, Formula Motorsport Limited (FML) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Formula 1 Global Partner, Aramco, to introduce the use of sustainable fuels in both Formula 2 and Formula 3 championships from 2023. This move is a part of the wider sustainability strategy announced by the FIA and Formula 1, which will see the sport become net-zero carbon by 2030.
Aramco will provide a 55% sustainable fuel to Formula 3 in 2023, with the aim of having a fully sustainable fuel by 2027. This will take place in three phases, with sustainable elements introduced in the first phase (2023/2024), synthetic components arriving for 2025, and a 100% synthetic fuel coming in for 2027. Aramco intends for the introductory fuel to be a "drop-in" technology that should not require any changes to the feeder series cars.
Aramco is investing heavily in carbon capture technology and is confident in its capacity to provide the required fuel for Formula 3 in 2027. The company is also working on two pilot productions, one in Saudi Arabia and one in Spain, to produce e-gasoline and e-diesel fuels, respectively. These molecules will then be used to make the Formula 3 fuel.
The use of sustainable fuels in Formula 3 is a positive step towards reducing emissions in motorsport and the broader transportation sector. It also aligns with Aramco's ambition to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions across its wholly-owned and operated assets by 2050.
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F3 cars use a maximum of 110kg of fuel per race
Formula 3 (F3) cars use a maximum of 110kg of fuel per race. F3 is a third-tier class of open-wheel formula racing, with races held in Europe, Australia, South America, and Asia. F3 is a global championship that serves as a stepping stone for many prospective Formula One (F1) drivers. All F3 rounds are held on select F1 race weekends, allowing F3 drivers to showcase their skills to the F1 world.
F3 cars have a top speed of around 300 km/h and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in about 3 seconds. While F3 cars are slower than F1 and Formula 2 (F2) cars, they are still much faster than most categories based on road cars. F3 cars use a bespoke, 3.4-litre naturally aspirated Mecachrome 6-cylinder engine.
In terms of fuel, F3 cars previously used ordinary unleaded racing gasoline, which is similar to commercial vehicle unleaded street gasoline. However, F3 is now taking steps towards sustainability. Since 2023, F3 cars have been using Aramco Advanced Fuel, which contains 55% sustainable (biosourced) materials. This move aligns with F1's plan to introduce 100% sustainable fuels by 2026 and achieve net-zero carbon by 2030.
The switch to sustainable fuels in F3 is significant because F2 and F3 are expected to be the pioneers in using fuels based on carbon capture technology. While the push towards electrification has been prioritized by governments and carmakers, the internal combustion engine will continue to be used. Therefore, it is essential to shift to the production of non-fossil-fuel-based fuels that are net carbon zero. F3's adoption of sustainable fuels demonstrates that it is possible to produce fuel that is sustainable, carbon-neutral, scalable, and competitively priced.
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F3 cars have a top speed of 300 km/h
Formula 3 (F3) cars are manufactured by a variety of companies, including Dallara, Mygale, Lola, Arttech, and SLC. F3 cars have 3.4-litre, 6-cylinder naturally aspirated engines. While I could not find exact information on the top speed of F3 cars, they can reportedly reach speeds of up to 192 mph when tackling the 130R corner at Suzuka. For context, Formula 1 (F1) cars are capable of speeds well above 200 mph, with the highest speed achieved by a Honda RA106 car at 246.9 mph.
F3 cars use fuel containing 55% sustainable (biosourced) materials, with the aim of introducing 100% sustainable fuels by 2026 and ultimately running on fully synthetic fuel as part of the net-zero carbon 2030 initiative. This push towards sustainable fuels is part of F1's plan to demonstrate that it is possible to produce fuel that is sustainable, carbon-neutral, scalable, and competitively priced.
F3 cars are estimated to use around 300,000 litres of fuel per year, and the series is seen as a pioneer in the use of carbon capture technology for its fuels. The use of internal combustion engines is expected to continue, even with the push towards electrification, so it is essential to shift to the production of non-fossil-fuel-based fuels that are net carbon zero.
While the exact top speed of F3 cars may not be publicly available, it is safe to assume that they can reach very high speeds, likely close to or above 300 km/h, given the performance of similar vehicles in motorsports.
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Frequently asked questions
Formula 3 race cars currently use ordinary unleaded racing gasoline as fuel, which is similar to commercial vehicle unleaded street gasoline.
It is unclear how much fuel Formula 3 race cars use. However, since F2 and F3 cars use around 300,000 litres of fuel per year, we can assume that Formula 3 race cars use a significant amount of fuel.
Yes, Formula 3 race car fuel is petroleum-based. However, Formula 2 and Formula 3 are taking steps towards using sustainable fuels, with the competitive debut of new Aramco-supplied spec fuels containing 55% sustainable (biosourced) materials.
The fuel used in Formula 3 race cars is similar to that of Formula 1 race cars, which also use petroleum-based fuel. However, Formula 1 cars are subject to different regulations and fuel limits.
The use of petroleum-based fuels in Formula 3 race cars contributes to environmental concerns, particularly with the high amount of fuel used per year. However, there is a push towards electrification and the development of non-fossil-fuel-based fuels to reduce carbon emissions.
