Mercedes And Petronas Highlight Their F1 Fuel Innovation In A New Series
Giancarlo Perlas November 14, 2024Mercedes-AMG, together with its racing partner Petronas, recently launched a fresh five-part video series, which sheds light on the intricate R&D efforts that shape their high-performance Formula 1 fuel. Through this series, the German marque aims to highlight its dynamic technical collaboration with the Malaysian energy giant on the way to delivering cutting-edge science for its F1 fuel, Primax.
The first episode, which Mercedes just dropped on its social media platforms, features Mercedes High-Performance Powertrains’ Hywel Thomas and Petronas’ fuel technology lead, Chan Ming-Yau. Together, they discuss the intricacies of F1 fuel composition, revealing the level of customization required to maximize power, efficiency, and dependability on the racetrack.
Customized Fuels to Maximize Power and Efficiency
Unlike typical road fuel, F1 fuel undergoes significant customization to meet the stringent demands of its racing events. Ming-Yau explains that while F1 fuel shares its fundamental components with standard fuel, the proportion and specific additives are tailored to enhance performance under extreme conditions. Petronas engineers are in a constant process of refining these formulations, sourcing the best base components globally, and selecting precise additive chemistry to achieve the optimal mix.
Petronas’ role at the racetrack further underscores the meticulous approach to fuel quality and regulatory compliance. Ming-Yau elaborates that engineers rigorously test their samples under controlled laboratory conditions to ensure consistency and adherence to FIA standards.
Strategic Fuel Management for Every Grand Prix
For each race, Mercedes evaluates the fuel requirements based on the circuit layout, weather conditions, and potential race interruptions. Thomas points out that achieving the perfect balance is crucial, as carrying in excess can hinder performance, while an insufficient volume could spell disaster during the race. These considerations require Mercedes to craft highly specific fuel strategies that adapt to each Grand Prix’s demands.
Preparing for Sustainable Fuel Adoption in F1
As F1 aims for net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, the transition to sustainable fuels by 2026 presents a formidable challenge for Petronas. Ming-Yau notes that Petronas’ commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 dovetails with F1’s sustainability roadmap. The oil and gas multinational company is leveraging its expertise in synthetic and biofuels to pioneer options that align with both F1’s environmental targets and the company’s broader sustainability goals.
Mercedes is also accelerating its use of sustainable biofuels within the sport. During the 2023 European season, the team successfully powered 74% of its trackside and logistical activities with biofuels, increasing that figure to 98% for the 2024 season. Using HVO100, a second-generation biofuel, Mercedes achieved an impressive reduction in CO2 emissions—saving over 500 tonnes.
Petronas played a vital role in this initiative, not only helping develop the biofuel but also coordinating its supply chain across Europe, allowing Mercedes trucks to complete the circuit sustainably.
Scaling Biofuel Efforts for a Greener Future
Looking forward, Mercedes and Petronas aim to expand the use of biofuels beyond Europe to further support F1’s sustainability objectives. Mercedes CEO Toto Wolff expressed optimism that their success with biofuel-powered logistics will inspire other teams to adopt greener practices.
With Petronas’ technical expertise and logistical support, Mercedes remains committed to broadening its sustainable fuel usage as it prepares for the fully sustainable fuels set to debut in 2026.
