Regan Brown
Formula 1 cars are high-powered racing vehicles that have been fine-tuned for optimal performance. The fuel that powers these cars has been a topic of interest for many fans of the sport. Since 1996, the fuel used in Formula 1 has been heavily regulated by the FIA, ensuring that it adheres to strict standards and is similar to the petrol used in road cars. While the specific blends used by teams may vary, they are composed of compounds found in commercial fuels and are tailored to enhance engine performance. The fuel plays a crucial role in the overall strategy, with teams calculating fuel usage and employing tactics like short-fuelling to gain an edge during races. With a focus on sustainability, Formula 1 is also committed to adopting more environmentally friendly practices, including the exploration of sustainable fuels.
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What You'll Learn
Formula 1 fuel regulations
Each competitor can have up to five formulations approved for use during the season, with a maximum of two available at each event. The formulation is tightly controlled, with limitations on the hydrocarbon content that goes into the final product. The octane rating is not limited, however, which allows researchers some room to manoeuvre. The fuel is also subject to deflection tests, which involve measuring the amount of deflection of the rear and beam wings under applied loads.
The FIA takes fuel samples on a random basis during race weekends and from the cars of the top three finishers. The samples are analysed using gas chromatography, which produces a fingerprint of the fuel's chemical composition. This fingerprint is then compared to the one on file for that formulation.
In terms of fuelling the cars, refuelling during a race has been banned since the 2010 season for budget and safety reasons. Each car is fuelled for the race based on calculations made by team engineers, with the aim of having enough fuel to reach the end of the race while minimising the amount of extra weight carried. The cars are refuelled at a rate of 0.8 litres per second using specialised safety equipment.
Looking ahead, Formula 1's next generation of cars will use fully sustainable fuels from 2026 onwards. These new power units will run on fuels derived from non-food sources, genuine municipal waste, or atmospheric carbon, rather than burning new fossil carbon. The aim is to produce net-zero exhaust CO2 emissions while maintaining the power and excitement of the sport.
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Fuel consumption and performance
Formula 1 cars are allowed a maximum of 110 kilograms of fuel per race (approximately 190 miles or 305 kilometres). However, teams rarely fill the tank to maximum capacity as a lighter car can achieve faster lap times. Strategies such as short-fuelling, where 5 to 15 kilograms of fuel are removed, are often employed, and the saved weight translates to improved performance. Additionally, rules mandate that cars must have enough fuel left in the tank after the race for sampling by the FIA.
The fuel blend is a critical factor in performance. Each competitor can have up to five unique fuel blends approved for use in a season, with a maximum of two blends available per event. These blends are highly optimised for peak performance by each manufacturer, taking into account factors like weather conditions and circuit characteristics. While the blends are tailored for specific engines, they must be formulated from compounds found in commercial fuels and adhere to strict regulations on impurities.
The refuelling process in Formula 1 is also noteworthy. Cars are refuelled at a rate of 0.8 litres per second using specialised equipment, compared to the average petrol pump rate of 0.6 litres per second. The unique shape of the fuel tank, referred to as a bladder, can make it challenging to accurately gauge fuel levels, a phenomenon known as "fuel slosh."
While fuel consumption and performance are crucial in Formula 1, the sport is also committed to road relevancy. Breakthroughs in fuel technology and efficiency are shared with the commercial sector, and regulations ensure that the fuel used in Formula 1 cars is similar to the petrol available at local service stations. This connection between the race track and the road contributes to the ongoing evolution of fuel performance and sustainability.
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Fuel testing and measurement
Formula 1 fuel has been heavily regulated by the FIA since 1996. The regulations are designed to ensure that the fuel used in F1 is not entirely dissimilar to that used in road cars. It must be formulated from compounds found in commercial fuels and cannot contain exotic power-boosting chemical compounds. Each competitor can have up to five formulations approved for use during the season and can have a maximum of two of those available at each event.
To test and measure fuel usage, the FIA introduced fuel-flow meters in 2014, monitored by the FIA, to ensure that the engine cannot consume fuel at more than the rate of 100kg per hour, with the sensor checking the flow 2200 times per second. Teams are also required to declare how much fuel they are planning to put in the car for the race, and the FIA technical team has the right to weigh the cars before and after the race to determine how much fuel has been used. The FIA also reserves the right to randomly check cars before and after the race to ensure compliance with the rules.
In the back of every team garage, there is a portable laboratory filled with equipment to study fuel and lubricant samples. The primary purpose of the lab is to ensure the legality of the fuel, and the most useful tool for doing this is a gas chromatograph. The gas chromatograph analyses the fuel and produces a 'fingerprint', with each peak on the graph representing the presence and concentration of a particular compound. This fingerprint is then compared to the one on file.
In addition to the above measures, teams will also conduct their own calculations and measurements to ensure they do not run out of fuel during a race. Team engineers will start making calculations on how much fuel is used per lap throughout winter testing, then refine their calculations race by race based on modifications made to the car and the conditions at each race.
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Fuel sources and partnerships
Since 1996, the fuel used by Formula 1 cars has been heavily regulated by the FIA. The regulations are designed to ensure that the fuel used in F1 is not entirely dissimilar to that used in road cars. It has to be formulated from compounds found in commercial fuels, with very strict regulation of impurities, and cannot contain exotic power-boosting chemical compounds. Each competitor can have up to five formulations approved for use during the season and can have a maximum of two of these available at each event. The fuel is tailored to the characteristics of each engine and is highly optimised for peak performance by each manufacturer. For example, the fuel made by Shell is optimised for Ferrari and wouldn't perform at the same level if used by the Mercedes team.
To comply with regulations, the fuel used by Formula 1 cars must be similar to what can be purchased at the pump for a road car. It must be Euro 95 standard, essentially the same as what you would put into your road car at a petrol station. While F1 fuel is not allowed to contain any compounds not found in petrol for road cars, the fuels used do have a different mix. Although commercial fuel and F1 fuel are blended using the same chemicals, the final product made for each Formula 1 team is highly optimised for peak performance.
In 2011, Shell and Ferrari performed an experiment where they put the petrol you could buy at a Shell petrol station into their 2009 F1 car in a special test. Using the race fuel, the driver, Fernando Alonso, set a time of 1:03.950. When switching to the commercial fuel, he was just 9 tenths slower. The race fuel helped with acceleration, but the commercial fuel gave a higher top speed at the end of the straight. Alonso commented that the Shell V-Power road fuel "felt just as quick as the Formula One fuel".
In terms of partnerships, Formula 1 teams have partnerships with fuel companies such as Shell and ExxonMobil. For example, Shell has a partnership with Ferrari, and ExxonMobil provides a portable laboratory, the ExxonMobil TrackLab, to study fuel and lubricant samples.
Formula 1 has also been focusing on sustainability initiatives. Existing initiatives include sustainability efforts at race circuits, focusing on areas such as plastic and waste, wellbeing and nature, and improving fan mobility. F1's offices are now using 100% renewable energy, and numerous F1 teams have earned 3* FIA environmental accreditation.
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Sustainability initiatives
Formula 1 cars use petrol, which has been heavily regulated by the FIA since 1996. The fuel must adhere to Euro 95 standards, meaning it must be composed of compounds found in commercial fuels and those used in road cars. While the fuel mixture may differ, it cannot contain any compounds not found in regular petrol or exotic power-boosting chemical compounds.
Formula 1 has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability, as evidenced by its first Impact Report, which outlined the sport's progress in sustainability and its diversity and inclusion efforts. The report highlighted a 13% reduction in the sport's carbon footprint compared to 2018, showcasing F1's alignment with the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) and its goal of keeping the global temperature rise below 1.5°C.
F1's sustainability strategy is centred on three pillars:
- Net-Zero Carbon by 2030: F1 aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, with a focus on delivering 100% sustainable fuels. This includes the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to reduce aviation-related emissions, as well as the transition to renewable energy at promoter sites and F1 offices.
- Legacy of Positive Change: F1 strives to leave a positive impact wherever races are held, including initiatives like the Las Vegas programme, which aims to reduce and offset outdoor water consumption at large-scale sporting events.
- Diversity and Inclusion: F1 is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion by removing barriers, nurturing talent, and inspiring change. This includes initiatives like F1 ACADEMY, which aims to develop young female talent in motorsport, and Accelerate 25, which aims for 25% of new employees from underrepresented groups by 2025.
F1's sustainability efforts also extend beyond these three pillars. For example, they support engineering students through their Engineering Scholarship Programme and provide education initiatives such as STEM events and career insight days. Additionally, F1 is working to reduce its carbon footprint by optimising logistics and transportation methods, such as increasing sea freight and remote operations.
F1's sustainability initiatives demonstrate the sport's dedication to environmental and social responsibility, with a clear focus on reducing carbon emissions, fostering diversity, and positively impacting the communities in which they operate.
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Frequently asked questions
Formula 1 cars use petrol, or "petrol as [it is] generally understood". Formula 1 fuel is heavily regulated by the FIA, which ensures that the fuel used is similar to what can be purchased at the pump for a road car.
Formula 1 fuel has been heavily regulated by the FIA since 1996, with a rule stating that fuel must be Euro 95 standard. This means that it must be made from the same compounds as the petrol you would put in your road car. Formula 1 fuel cannot contain any compounds not found in commercial fuels, and it cannot contain exotic power-boosting chemical compounds.
While commercial fuel and Formula 1 fuel are blended using the same chemicals, the final product made for each Formula 1 team is highly 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.
Refuelling during a race was banned for the 2010 season due to budget and safety reasons. Teams calculate how much fuel is used per lap during winter testing and then refine these calculations race by race. The car is then fuelled for the race based on these calculations, with the aim of having enough fuel to finish the race with minimal extra weight.
