Formula 1 continues the development of synthetic fuels for 2026

If we experienced a revolution in terms of aerodynamics in 2022, we are a few seasons away from experiencing a new one, this time concerning the engines. In 2026, if the power units could be reworked, something new should also appear: 100% synthetic fuels. A solution already adopted by the World ChampionshipEndurance since this season and who is on the way to the F1 In the coming years.

The introduction of a fully renewable fuel is part of the drive to achieve "zero carbon" by 2030. F1 technical director Pat Symonds is also leading the team responsible for to create this revolutionary fuel. “It’s a fascinating challenge, declared the former British engineer. At the time I started telling people about it, no one knew what I was talking about and, to be honest, I'm not sure I really knew. So I did a lot of research on the subject. We worked closely with the FIA, who have two very good fuel specialists, and we had a lot of help from our partner Aramco. »

Since 2022, the new fuel used by the teams, E10, contains 10% renewable ethanol. The fuel that F1 will use in just over three years will be unique and created in a laboratory. “We are working on a fuel with a completely neutral carbon footprint, so that the carbon used to produce this fuel represents the same amount as the carbon emitted by the internal combustion engine, explained Ross Brawn, sporting director of F1. This means that the engines will not add more CO₂ in the air. »

39 fuel blends already tested, says Symonds

At present, nothing has yet been ratified in terms of the 2026 regulations. Brawn and Symonds indicate that the outcome of switching to a completely renewable fuel would be “an incredible achievement and a fantastic message to the world that there are other solutions too. »

“We worked with Aramco and we have now tested 39 fuel blends”, detailed Pat Symonds. “This allowed us to understand the effects of different types of blends that can be used in a sustainable fuel. We tested them in a Formula 1 single-cylinder power unit, so these are representative tests. I think this has helped accelerate our progress. »

Between now and its introduction in 2026, synthetic fuel is increasingly used in other categories. After the WEC, IndyCar to launch 100% renewable fuel in 2023. The Super GT and F4 France in particular have also taken the plunge on synthetic, which also works for historic frames. In June, 4 cars participating in the Le Mans Classic used synthetic fuel created by Aramco. Sebastian Vettel had for his part carried out a demonstration lap at Silverstone with the 14 Williams FW1992B with a renewable fuel.

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