Ameer Randolph
Formula One (F1) cars are high-powered racing vehicles that have been a staple of motorsports since the late 1940s. F1 cars have evolved significantly over the years, with advancements in engine technology, materials science, and fuel composition all contributing to their speed and performance. The fuel used in F1 cars has been a particular area of interest and development, with regulations and innovations shaping the way these cars are powered.
Today, F1 cars run on a mixture of unleaded petrol and ethanol, with a minimum octane rating of 87 and optimised for performance. The fuel is designed to be similar to commercial road car fuel, but with slight alterations for the unique demands of F1 racing. With sustainability in mind, F1 is also transitioning to more sustainable fuels, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
Fuel Used in F1 Cars
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Unleaded petrol and ethanol |
| Ethanol Content | 10% |
| Fuel Tank | Fuel sack or bladder made of rubber and lined with Kevlar |
| Fuel Measurement | Calculated in weight, not litres or gallons |
| Fuel Usage | Up to 110 kg per race |
| Fuel Samples | Two separate 5L samples must be submitted to the FIA for analysis and approval |
| Fuel Suppliers | Petronas, Shell, ExxonMobil, Gulf, and Castrol (bp) |
| Fuel Sustainability | Carbon-neutral, net-zero carbon fuels |
| Refuelling | Banned during races since 2010 |
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What You'll Learn
F1 fuel is a mixture of unleaded petrol and ethanol
Ethanol is derived from the fermentation of bio-feedstock and is the most economical biofuel to blend into gasoline. The use of ethanol in F1 fuel is part of the sport's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to a greener future.
While F1 fuel currently contains only a small proportion of ethanol, the plan is to increase this percentage over time. By 2026, F1 aims to use 100% sustainable fuel, with no new fossil fuel carbon being released during its production. This ambitious goal is part of F1's commitment to being Net Zero Carbon by 2030 and sending a strong message about the feasibility of sustainable solutions.
The development of sustainable fuels for F1 is being led by F1's Chief Technical Officer, Pat Symonds, who has been deeply involved in research to create the best quality product for the 2026 season and beyond. This push for more sustainable fuels is not just about the race cars but also about the wider impact on the world, with the hope that these innovations can be applied to road cars and other industries.
The use of ethanol in F1 fuel is an important step towards a more sustainable future for the sport and beyond. It showcases F1's commitment to reducing its environmental impact and contributing to a greener world, not just on the race track but in all aspects of its operations.
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F1 fuel regulations
Fuel Type and Composition
F1 cars run on petrol, as per the technical regulations, which refer to it as "petrol as this term is generally understood". The regulations ensure that the fuel used in F1 is similar to that used in road cars. It must be formulated from compounds found in commercial fuels and has strict rules regarding impurities. The fuel cannot contain power-boosting compounds, and manufacturers must create sustainable fuels that are carbon neutral. This means that no new fossil carbon will be burned, and carbon will be derived from non-food sources, municipal waste, or the atmosphere.
Fuel Sample Submission
Before a new fuel blend can be used, two separate 5-litre samples must be submitted to the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) for analysis and approval. Each competitor is allowed to have up to five formulations approved for use during a season, with a maximum of two formulations available at each event. The FIA uses a gas chromatograph to analyse the fuel, creating a unique "fingerprint" that identifies the presence and concentration of each compound.
Fuel Tank Specifications
F1 regulations refer to the fuel container as a tank in the technical regulations, but in reality, it is more like a fuel sack or bladder, similar to those used in military vehicles. These fuel bladders are designed to be puncture-resistant and maintain their structural integrity during impacts. The regulations specify that the fuel tank must be mounted close to the centre line of the car, behind the cockpit, and as low to the floor as possible for performance reasons. The tank has internal baffles with one-way valves that compartmentalise the fuel and ensure stability, especially when the car is running low on fuel.
Fuel Quantity and Refuelling
F1 regulations have included fuel limits per race, which have varied over the years. For example, in 2013, the limit was 160 kg of fuel per race, which was reduced to 100 kg by 2020. The goal for 2026 is to further decrease fuel usage, aiming for each car to use just 70 kg of fuel during a Grand Prix. Since 2010, refuelling during the race has been prohibited, and cars now start with a full fuel load. This led to an increase in the car length in 2010 to accommodate larger fuel tanks.
Safety and Structural Tests
The fuel tank is subject to strict safety regulations and must undergo squeeze tests to ensure its structural integrity. The test applies a force of 12.5 kN (2,800 lbf) to the fuel tank, with a maximum allowed deformation of 3 mm (0.12 in). Additionally, the cockpit, nosebox, and other structural components must also pass similar rigorous tests to ensure the safety of the driver and the car's integrity during races.
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F1 fuel manufacturers
F1 cars run on a mixture of unleaded petrol and ethanol, with petrol being the primary component. The regulations stipulate that the fuel used in F1 must be similar to that used in road cars, and it cannot contain power-boosting compounds. F1 fuel manufacturers are given flexibility in the methods used to create these 100% sustainable fuels, as long as they are carbon-neutral.
F1's five current fuel manufacturers are Petronas, Shell, ExxonMobil, Gulf, and Castrol (bp). These companies operate in different markets and work with F1 teams to constantly redefine the level of performance it is possible to achieve with their fuel blends. For example, ExxonMobil works with Honda to test and develop new blends to deliver more power or better fuel economy.
Each competitor can have up to five formulations approved for use during the season and can have a maximum of two available at each event. Before a new fuel can be used, two separate 5-litre samples must be submitted to the FIA for analysis and approval. The FIA uses a gas chromatograph to analyse the fuel, producing a 'fingerprint' that shows the presence and concentration of each compound.
Some specific examples of F1 team and fuel manufacturer partnerships include Mercedes and Petronas, Ferrari and Shell, and Red Bull and ExxonMobil. These partnerships are chosen to maximise performance, as a change in fuel can have a meaningful impact on the finely-tuned engines.
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F1 fuel tanks
In the 1950s, F1 fuel tanks were made of aluminium cases seated behind the cockpit, with fuel lines running forward past the driver to the engine. Some designs, like the Lancia D50, placed the tanks on the sides of the cockpit for improved handling, but this concerned drivers due to the risk of tank failures. The introduction of rear-engine F1 cars moved the tanks to the front, above the driver's legs.
To reduce the risk of punctures and leaks during impacts, rubber bag tanks were introduced in the early 1950s, initially housed within aluminium tanks. In the 1970s, Aero Tec Laboratories (ATL) developed a safety measure that prevented fuel from spilling out even after a pipe rupture. This innovation involved frangible components that snapped and automatically closed the couplings, sealing the bag.
Today, F1 fuel tanks are constructed as a single rubber bladder, housed within a strong composite structure. These tanks, made from a weave of polyurethane and Kevlar, are designed to be puncture-resistant and fire-resistant, withstanding high temperatures without igniting. The tanks are mounted close to the centre line of the car, behind the cockpit, and as low to the floor as possible for performance reasons.
The F1 fuel tank design also includes internal baffles fitted with one-way valves that compartmentalise the fuel and ensure stability, especially during low fuel levels. The measurement of fuel in F1 garages is done by mass rather than volume, as mass remains constant with temperature changes, while volume can vary.
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F1 fuel testing
F1 cars run on petrol, which is derived from the fuel used in road cars but tailored towards the F1 engine. The fuel used in F1 is subject to strict regulations, which include requirements for the fuel to be formulated from compounds found in commercial fuels and for it to have a very strict regulation of impurities. Additionally, F1 fuel cannot contain power-boosting chemical compounds.
In 2019, the FIA introduced stricter procedures for monitoring fuel usage by F1 teams, addressing possible grey areas and suspicions regarding fuel usage in races. These procedures included requiring teams to declare the amount of fuel they intend to use during specific race stages, such as laps to the grid, formation laps, and the race itself. This declaration must be made at least two hours before the race start.
The FIA conducts physical checks on the cars, including weighing them before and after the race to determine fuel usage. They also have the right to randomly check cars before and after races, draining fuel tanks and using fuel pumps to ensure accurate measurements. These checks help verify the information recorded by the fuel flow meter and confirm that teams are adhering to the regulations.
Additionally, F1 fuel manufacturers, such as ExxonMobil, play a significant role in testing and developing new fuel blends. These manufacturers work closely with F1 teams to enhance fuel performance and economy. Before a new fuel blend can be used, two separate 5-litre samples must be submitted to the FIA for analysis and approval. Each competitor can have up to five formulations approved for use during the season, with a maximum of two available at each event.
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Frequently asked questions
F1 cars use a mixture of unleaded petrol and ethanol, with petrol being the primary component.
F1 fuel has a minimum octane rating of 87.
F1 cars can carry a maximum of 110 kg of fuel per race.
F1 fuel is derived from regular petrol but is tailored for high-performance engines. It has a different mix of compounds and does not contain power-boosting additives.
F1 is transitioning to sustainable fuels as part of its Net Zero 2030 strategy. The current fuel is E10, which contains 10% renewable ethanol, but the sport aims to further reduce carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality.
