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 are known for their fast changes of direction and impressive G-forces while cornering. The fuel used in F1 cars is a mixture of unleaded petrol and ethanol with a tightly controlled mixture ratio. F1 cars use a fuel bladder, which is made of high-quality rubber lined with Kevlar for protection against crashes and is located in front of the engine, behind the cockpit.
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What You'll Learn
F1 fuel is a mixture of unleaded petrol and ethanol
The fuel used in F1 cars is not your typical pump petrol, but it is derived from the same chemicals used in commercial fuel. Each manufacturer optimises the fuel blend for their respective teams, ensuring peak performance. For instance, Shell's fuel is tailored for Ferrari, and its use by the Mercedes team would result in a lower level of performance.
F1 fuel regulations have evolved over time, with a focus on sustainability. In 2022, the ethanol content was increased from 5.75% to 10%, known as E10 fuel. This change was part of the push towards the ultimate goal of 100% sustainable fuel. F1 cars are now powered by hybrid technology, with the Energy Recovery System (ERS) contributing to fuel economy.
The amount of fuel an F1 car uses is calculated by weight rather than volume, as the volume of fuel can vary with temperature. The maximum fuel allowance per race is 110 kg, ensuring that drivers can push their cars to the limit without worrying about fuel conservation. The fuel is stored in a fuel bladder, made of high-quality rubber lined with Kevlar, located behind the cockpit for safety reasons.
While F1 fuel shares similarities with ordinary petrol, the specialised blends and optimisation by manufacturers set it apart, ensuring that F1 cars can deliver exceptional performance on the track.
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F1 fuel is not refuelled during races
F1 cars are not refuelled during races, and this has been the case since 2010. This means that cars must have enough fuel to finish the race before the start of each grand prix. F1 cars are allowed up to 110 kg of fuel at the start of the race and are required to provide 1 kg of fuel to the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) at the end of the race for inspection. If they fail to do so, they will be disqualified.
The reason behind the ban on refuelling during races was the excessive cost involved in bringing specialised refueling equipment to the races. The cost of the refueling equipment was high, and by getting rid of it, the cost was negated. Additionally, refuelling during races was dangerous for drivers. On multiple occasions, spillages led to cars catching fire and drivers being injured with burns. For example, in 2009, Kimi Raikkonen suffered minor burns after a fuel spillage caused a fire in the pits at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
The fuel tank inside an F1 car is different from those in a conventional car. It is specifically developed to be flexible and indestructible. The tank is not a box but a bladder that is squeezed into the car and then filled like a balloon. The fuel tank is balloon-shaped so that it can be positioned behind the driver but directly ahead of the engine. For aerodynamic purposes, it needs to be as small as possible but must also comply with the FIA regulation of being under 800mm wide.
The fuel used in F1 cars 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%. While F1 fuel is not ordinary, it is similar to the petrol used in high-performance road cars. It is road car-grade petrol with only minor alterations.
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F1 fuel tanks are called 'bladders'
F1 cars use 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%. Cars were allowed to be refuelled during the race until 2010, after which refuelling was banned. The cars are stipulated to carry a maximum fuel of 110 kg per race.
F1 fuel tanks are called bladders because they are not conventional tanks but rather sacks or bladders, similar to those used in military vehicles. The bladder is made of a single puncture-proof bladder composed of military-grade ballistic material Kevlar, reinforced with rubber. The fuel bladder is placed inside the monocoque of the car, well protected within a box made of several layers of composite material. The bladder is flexible and must fit the profile of the monocoque, which is why they are handmade and have unusual shapes.
The position of the tank is also unconventional. It sits right between the engine and the driver, in front of the engine and behind the cockpit. The regulations insist that it be mounted close to the centre line of the car and, for performance reasons, it will be as low to the floor as possible. The tank has a series of internal baffles fitted with one-way valves that compartmentalise the fuel and channel it down to the lowest rearward compartment. This ensures that the car remains stable and that the fuel is placed where scavenger pumps can transfer it effectively to the collector when the car is running low on fuel.
The manufacturing process involves the simultaneous vulcanization of the entire structure, creating a seamless and robust fuel bladder. This technique ensures compatibility with the intended fuel contents and provides the mechanical strength needed for shipment and storage. The hoses feeding fuel to the engine are equipped with dry-break frangible couplings so that if the engine and chassis become separated in an accident, the fuel supply is cut off.
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F1 fuel is similar to road car-grade petrol
F1 fuel is indeed similar to road car-grade petrol. The fuel used in F1 cars 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%. This is in line with the requirement that the petrol used in F1 cars must be similar to what would be put in a road car at the pump.
The misconception that F1 fuel is a high-octane concoction completely different from road car fuel is not true. F1 fuel is made from the same chemicals as commercial fuel, but the final product 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.
F1 fuel is also different from road car fuel in terms of how it is delivered to the car. F1 cars are refuelled at 0.8 litres per second using specialised safety equipment, whereas your average petrol pump fills a car at about 0.6 litres per second. Additionally, F1 fuel is measured in weight rather than volume, as the volume of fuel can change according to temperature, whereas weight does not.
In terms of performance, F1 fuel is designed to provide more bang for its buck. It is constantly being redefined to achieve a higher level of performance with each new blend. The introduction of hybrid power units in 2014 also contributed to the level of economy in F1 fuel, as the maximum fuel use was reduced by about one-third compared to its V8 predecessors.
Overall, while there are some differences between F1 fuel and road car-grade petrol, they are indeed similar in many ways, and the use of F1 fuel has even influenced the development of commercial fuel blends.
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F1 fuel is highly optimised for peak performance
F1 fuel is not allowed to contain any compounds not found in petrol put into road cars at the local service station, but 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 by each manufacturer. For example, the fuel made by Shell is optimised for Ferrari and wouldn’t perform at the same level if it was used by the Mercedes team.
F1 fuel is calculated by weight rather than litres or gallons. As of 2019, the regulations stated that a car could use up to 110kg (242 pounds) of fuel per race. This was increased from the 105kg (231 pounds) allowed in 2018, as F1 bosses wanted drivers to be able to push their cars to the limit lap after lap, without having to worry about conserving fuel. This has now made for more high-octane races in the closing stages, as drivers know they have enough fuel on board to finish the race.
The tank has a series of internal baffles fitted with one-way valves that compartmentalise the fuel and channel it down to the lowest rearward compartment. This ensures not only that the car remains stable but also, when it’s running with low fuel, that the fuel is placed where scavenger pumps can transfer it effectively to the collector.
The impressive hybrid technology of the Energy Recovery System (ERS) is rightly praised for its level of economy, but it’s worth remembering that all of the energy delivered to the wheels of an F1 car ultimately comes from the fuel in the tank. The car is just incredibly parsimonious in the way it uses it.
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Frequently asked questions
F1 cars use a mixture of unleaded petrol and ethanol, with a tightly controlled mixture ratio. The fuel is not allowed to contain any compounds not found in petrol put into road cars, but the final product made for each Formula 1 team is highly optimised for peak performance by each manufacturer.
F1 fuel is not your typical fuel. It is a highly specialised blend, with specific mixes for certain circuits and weather conditions. The fuel is also calculated in weight rather than litres or gallons.
As of 2019, regulations stated that an F1 car could use up to 110kg of fuel per race. This was increased from the 105kg allowed in 2018.
F1 is working with major fuel manufacturers to develop a 100% sustainable hybrid fuel, which will be introduced in 2026. This is part of F1's Net Zero Carbon by 2030 strategy.
