How Much Fuel Do F1 Cars Hold?

In Formula 1 the amount of fuel a car can use during a race is strictly controlled by the FIA. Rather than a specific weight, according to Article 5.2.3 of the 2025 Formula 1 Technical Regulations the fuel mass flow must not exceed 100 kg/h at any time during the race.

The regulations also have additional fuel flow restrictions based on engine rpm and power output. Below 10,500 rpm the fuel mass flow must not exceed Q (kg/h) = 0.009 N(rpm) + 5.5. At partial load the fuel mass flow is limited by a curve defined as Q (kg/h) = 10 when the engine power is below -50 kW and Q (kg/h) = 0.257 × engine power (kW) + 22.85 when the engine power is above -50 kW.

These rules prevent teams from exploiting grey areas in the regulations and force them to develop better engines and race strategies. The actual amount of fuel used by an F1 car during a race will vary depending on the circuit, weather and driver but is always within the FIA limits.

Fuel Capacity and Regulations

The fuel system in Formula 1 cars is heavily regulated to ensure safety, fairness, and efficiency. The 2025 Formula 1 Technical Regulations Article 6 details the requirements for fuel tanks, fittings, piping, refuelling, and sampling.

Fuel tanks in F1 cars must be made of a single rubber bladder that meets or exceeds the FIA Standard FT5-1999 specifications. The installation of foam within the tank is optional. All fuel on board the car must be stored within specific limits defined in Article 6.1.2, and the bladders must not be used for more than five years after the date of manufacture.

The fuel tanks must be fitted with a pressure relief valve to prevent overpressure and a fuel tank pressure sensor. The maximum internal pressure exerted on the fuel bladder must not exceed 1.0 barG. The total area of apertures in the fuel bladder is limited to 35,000 mm², and all apertures must be closed by hatches or fittings that are securely attached to the bladder and the survival cell.

All fuel lines between the fuel tank and the engine must have a self-sealing breakaway valve that separates at less than 50% of the load required to break the fuel line fitting or pull it out of the fuel tank. No lines containing fuel may pass through the cockpit, and all lines must be fitted to avoid fuel accumulation in the cockpit in case of leakage.

Refuelling during a race or sprint session is not permitted, and the fuel temperature must not be colder than ten degrees centigrade below ambient temperature or ten degrees centigrade at any time when the car is running. The use of any device on board the car to decrease the fuel temperature is forbidden.

Competitors must provide a means of removing all fuel from the car and ensure that a 1.0-litre fuel sample can be taken at any time during the competition. The sampling procedure must not require starting the engine or removing bodywork (other than the nosebox assembly and the cover over any refuelling connector).

The fuel system hydraulic layout must functionally conform to the schematic provided in Article 6.6.4, which specifies the arrangement of components such as the primer pump(s), high-pressure pump, fuel flow meters, and pressure and temperature sensors. These components are either classified as Open Source Components (OSC) or Standard Supply Components (SSC) mandated by the FIA.

The comprehensive regulations surrounding the fuel system in F1 cars demonstrate the FIA’s commitment to maintaining safe, fair, and efficient competition while fostering innovation within the prescribed limits.

Fuel Composition and Properties

Formula 1 cars use a highly specialised fuel that is tailored to maximise performance while complying with strict FIA regulations. The current fuel used in F1 is a blend of unleaded petrol and ethanol, with a minimum of 10% ethanol content by volume. This composition is specified in Article 16.4.4 of the 2025 Formula 1 Technical Regulations.

The unleaded petrol component of the fuel must be of a commercial quality, sourced from a single supplier for all competitors. The petrol must comply with the properties specified in Article 16.3, which include limits on research octane number (RON), motor octane number (MON), density, oxygen content, and various other chemical properties. These properties are carefully controlled to ensure a level playing field for all teams and to promote the development of efficient engine technologies.

The ethanol component of the fuel must be a high-purity, food-grade ethanol, sourced from a single supplier. The use of ethanol in the fuel blend helps to reduce the carbon footprint of Formula 1 and aligns with the sport’s sustainability goals.

Fuel temperature plays a crucial role in F1 car performance. Cooler fuel is denser, which allows more fuel to be injected into the engine, resulting in increased power output. However, the FIA regulates the minimum temperature of the fuel to prevent teams from gaining an unfair advantage. According to Article 6.4.2, the fuel in a car must not be colder than the lowest of ten degrees centigrade below ambient temperature or ten degrees centigrade at any time when the car is running. The ambient temperature is recorded by the FIA-appointed weather service provider one hour before any practice session or three hours before the race or sprint session.

To ensure compliance with the fuel regulations, the FIA conducts rigorous fuel testing throughout the season. Fuel samples are taken from cars during the competition and analysed for conformity with the specified composition and properties. The testing process includes checks for contaminants, such as metals, nitrates, and lead, which could provide a performance advantage or pose safety risks. The fuel is also tested for evaporation characteristics to ensure that it remains stable under the high-temperature conditions encountered in F1 engines.

In addition to the FIA’s testing, Formula 1 fuel suppliers conduct their own extensive quality control procedures to guarantee the consistency and purity of the fuel delivered to the teams. This includes regular batch testing and analysis to verify that the fuel meets the required specifications.

The precise composition and properties of Formula 1 fuel are the result of continuous development and optimisation by fuel suppliers, in collaboration with engine manufacturers and teams. This joint effort aims to maximise engine performance, efficiency, and reliability while operating within the boundaries set by the FIA’s technical regulations.

Fuel Consumption and Efficiency

Fuel consumption and efficiency are critical factors in Formula 1, as they directly impact a car’s performance and strategy throughout a race weekend. The average fuel consumption of a modern F1 car is approximately 33-38 litres per 100 kilometres (or about 6.2-7 mpg). However, this figure can vary depending on factors such as the circuit layout, weather conditions, and the individual car’s setup.

The high fuel consumption in F1 cars is a result of their incredible performance. The turbocharged hybrid power units, which combine a 1.6-liter V6 internal combustion engine with an advanced Energy Recovery System (ERS), can produce over 1,000 horsepower. The energy-dense fuel, coupled with the power unit’s efficiency, allows F1 cars to reach speeds exceeding 350 km/h (217 mph) and maintain an average speed of around 230 km/h (143 mph) during a race. However, this performance comes at the cost of high fuel consumption.

Fuel weight has a significant impact on lap times and overall performance in Formula 1. As mentioned earlier, the maximum amount of fuel a car can carry during a race is 100 kg. At the start of a race, a car with a full fuel load will be significantly heavier than it will be at the end of the race when the fuel has been consumed. This difference in weight can be as much as 70-80 kg, which has a substantial effect on the car’s performance.

A heavier car, laden with fuel, will have slower acceleration, reduced braking efficiency, and compromised cornering performance compared to a lighter car. This is because the extra weight increases the inertia of the car, making it harder to change direction, slow down, or speed up. As a result, lap times at the beginning of a race, when the cars are at their heaviest, are typically slower than those achieved towards the end of the race when the cars are lighter.

Teams and drivers must carefully manage their fuel consumption throughout a race to optimise their performance. This involves finding the right balance between speed and fuel efficiency, as well as making strategic decisions about when to push and when to conserve fuel. Efficient fuel management can allow a driver to extend their stint on a particular set of tyres, gain track position, or avoid the need for an additional pit stop.

The introduction of more efficient power units and the increased use of energy recovery systems have helped to improve fuel efficiency in Formula 1 over the years. The current power units are more than 50% thermally efficient, meaning that they convert more than half of the energy stored in the fuel into useful work. This is a significant improvement compared to the efficiency of road car engines, which typically range from 30-40%.

The Impact of the Refueling Ban in F1

Refuelling during races was a common practice in Formula 1 for many years. It was first introduced in the 1982 season and quickly became a crucial aspect of race strategy. Teams would often adjust their fuel loads to optimise their performance, with lighter cars being faster but requiring more pit stops for refuelling.

However, in 2010, the FIA banned refuelling during races due to safety concerns. The decision was made following several incidents where fires broke out during refuelling, posing a risk to drivers, pit crew members, and other personnel. One notable incident occurred during the 1994 German Grand Prix, when Jos Verstappen’s Benetton B194 was engulfed in flames during a pit stop due to a fuel leak.

The refuelling ban was also intended to reduce costs and simplify race strategies. Without the option to refuel during the race, teams had to carry enough fuel to complete the entire race distance, which led to heavier cars at the start of the race and placed a greater emphasis on fuel efficiency. This change in regulations required teams to adapt their strategies and car designs to prioritise fuel consumption and optimise the trade-off between performance and endurance.

The ban on refuelling also had an impact on the spectacle of Formula 1 races. With fewer pit stops and less variation in strategies, some critics argued that races became more predictable and less exciting. However, others pointed out that the increased importance of fuel management added a new dimension to the competition, requiring drivers and teams to be more strategic in their approach.

Despite the challenges posed by the refuelling ban, teams and drivers have adapted to the regulations over the years. The development of more efficient power units, advanced aerodynamics, and improved tyre management has helped to offset the performance impact of carrying a full race fuel load. Additionally, the FIA has introduced other measures, such as the Drag Reduction System (DRS) and tyre compound selections, to promote overtaking and maintain the excitement of Formula 1 races.

In recent years, there have been discussions about potentially reintroducing refuelling to Formula 1. Some stakeholders argue that it could add an extra layer of strategy and excitement to the races. However, the FIA and many teams have expressed concerns about the cost and safety implications of bringing back refuelling, particularly in light of the sport’s commitment to sustainability and cost reduction initiatives.

As of the 2025 season, the refuelling ban remains in place, and teams must continue to manage their fuel loads carefully throughout the race weekend. The regulations and technical specifications surrounding fuel capacity, fuel flow rates, and energy recovery systems have been refined to ensure a fair and competitive environment while prioritising safety and sustainability.

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Formula 1 Fuel FAQs

How much fuel does an F1 car have at the end of a race?

At the end of a Formula 1 race, cars are required to have at least 1 litre of fuel remaining in their tanks for scrutineering purposes. This fuel is used by the FIA for mandatory fuel sample testing to ensure compliance with the regulations.

According to Article 6.5.2 of the 2025 Formula 1 Technical Regulations, “After a practice session, sprint session, and race, if a car has not been driven back to the pits under its own power, it will be required to supply the above-mentioned sample plus the amount of fuel that would have been consumed to drive back to the pits. The additional amount of fuel will be determined by the FIA.”

The exact amount of fuel left in the car at the end of the race can vary depending on the team’s strategy, the efficiency of their power unit, and the specific demands of the circuit. Teams will always aim to finish the race with as little fuel as possible to minimise the car’s weight and optimise performance throughout the race.

What happens if an F1 car runs out of fuel?

If an F1 car runs out of fuel during a race, it will result in an immediate retirement from the event. The car will be forced to stop on the track, and the driver will be unable to continue. This is classified as a Did Not Finish (DNF) in the race results.

Running out of fuel is considered a serious mistake in Formula 1, as it indicates a miscalculation or an error in the team’s strategy. It can cost the team valuable points and negatively impact their championship standings.

In addition to the DNF, running out of fuel can also lead to penalties from the FIA. If a car stops on the track due to a lack of fuel, it may be in breach of Article 6.5.2 of the 2025 Formula 1 Technical Regulations, which requires cars to have enough fuel to return to the pits under their own power after the race.

Where is the fuel tank in a Formula 1 car?

The fuel tank in a Formula 1 car is located in the centre of the vehicle, directly behind the driver’s seat and in front of the engine. This positioning helps to optimise the car’s weight distribution and improve its handling characteristics.

The fuel tank is a critical component of an F1 car and is subject to strict regulations set by the FIA. As per Article 6.1.2 of the 2025 Formula 1 Technical Regulations, all fuel on board the car must be stored within specific limits:

1. Ahead of XPU=0 (The rear wheel centre line)
2. Rearward of RS-FWD-FUEL-LIMIT (A reference plane defined in the regulations)
3. Inboard of Y=400 (A lateral limit defined in the regulations)

These limits ensure that the fuel tank is positioned centrally and does not extend too far forward, rearward, or laterally, which could affect the car’s balance and safety.

Who provides fuel for Formula 1?

In Formula 1, teams have the freedom to choose their fuel suppliers, as long as the fuel meets the stringent requirements set by the FIA. While there is no single exclusive fuel supplier for the entire grid, several major oil and gas companies have partnerships with various F1 teams to provide fuel and lubricants.

Currently, the main fuel suppliers in Formula 1 are:

1. Shell – Scuderia Ferrari
2. Petronas – Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team
3. Aramco – Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team
4. Gulf – McLaren and Williams Racing
5. ExxonMobil – Red Bull Racing

Each of these companies works closely with their respective teams to develop and supply advanced fuel formulations that optimise performance while meeting the FIA’s regulations.

For example, Shell has a long-standing partnership with Scuderia Ferrari, providing them with specially formulated fuel and lubricants. Similarly, Petronas has been the title sponsor and technical partner of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team since 2010, supplying them with high-performance fuel and lubricants.

Aramco, the Saudi Arabian oil company, joined forces with Aston Martin in 2022 as a strategic partner, providing fuel and lubricants to the team. This partnership aims to drive the development of sustainable fuels and advanced lubricants for the future of Formula 1.

It’s worth noting that while teams can choose their own fuel suppliers, the FIA still maintains strict control over the fuel specifications to ensure a level playing field and promote sustainability. Formula 1 has set a goal to become carbon neutral by 2030, and the development of sustainable fuels is a key part of this strategy. Teams and their fuel suppliers are working together to create advanced fuel blends that reduce emissions and promote cleaner energy solutions.