Formula 1 is set to undergo a transformative shift in 2026 with the introduction of advanced sustainable fuel, marking a major milestone in the sport’s journey toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. This change is part of a broader overhaul of the power unit regulations, designed to maintain performance while drastically reducing environmental impact. For more about the power unit changes, see episode two of The Road to 2026 here.
Facts and Stats: Advanced Sustainable Fuel
What Is Advanced Sustainable Fuel?
Advanced sustainable fuel is a type of fuel derived from non-food biomass, municipal waste or renewable fuel of non-biological origin (RFNBO).
Non-food biomass is organic matter that is not intended for consumption. It is typically a byproduct of agricultural production such as rice husks. Municipal waste is household waste such as used cooking oil, while RFNBO is a type of synthetic fuel made using renewable electricity to split water into hydrogen and combining that hydrogen with captured carbon dioxide.
This advanced sustainable fuel is designed as a drop in solution, meaning that it can be used as a direct swap for the current fuel without any need for engine re-design.
Fuel Efficiency and Performance
With the aim of using less fuel than current F1 cars, the 2026 iterations aim to deliver the same, if not better performance.
This advanced sustainable fuel has been designed to deliver a minimum of 65% greenhouse gas savings following the latest EU Renewable Energy Directive.
Sustainable Solutions Beyond the Track
Working together with PETRONAS, the team’s efforts have gone beyond track application. Since 2023, PETRONAS has been progressively delivering HVO100 biofuels for the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, to support its logistics and transportation needs. We have even achieved 98% coverage of HVO100 usage in our team trucks across the 2024 European season.
PETRONAS’ Specialised Expertise
PETRONAS is a pioneer in developing advanced sustainable fuels in motorsports. The team is hands-on in designing the chemistry and formulating the best fuel that meets the latest engine appetite, delivers performance and is sustainable. When it comes to delivering a powerful and responsive drive, PETRONAS needs to deliver a high energy density fuel with a high-octane number, good volatility and formulated with good detergent to prevent engine deposit build up and accumulation in engine parts.
The fuel’s energy release efficiency is another example of the work PETRONAS has put countless hours into. This is particularly important in the new era of Power Unit design, with a 50-50 split of internal combustion and electric power.
Road Application
With the work done within our Technical Partnership with PETRONAS, the development of advanced sustainable fuel drives innovation on the toughest of tracks and for regular road users to shape the future of mobility. PETRONAS is taking learnings from this journey and applying the knowledge towards becoming a progressive energy and solutions partner enriching lives for a sustainable future.