Red Bull Motorsports
F1
Fuel efficiency strategies in Formula 1 racing
These fuel efficiency strategies are driving Formula 1's future, from hybrid power units to aerodynamic innovations.
Fuel efficiency is more than just a buzzword in Formula 1. It’s a crucial component that directs race strategies and performance. In a sport where every millisecond matters, how teams manage fuel can make the difference between victory and defeat.
It’s easy to see this in action at events like a Red Bull Showrun or from the Red Bull Energy Station in Las Vegas. A strong F1 car fuel efficiency strategy is as essential to winning as a driver’s cornering and overtaking skills.
David Coulthard in the RB7 F1 Car at Red Bull Showrun in Minneapolis
© Robert Snow / Red Bull Content Pool
Historically, fuel was burned freely, with little concern for sustainability. But times have changed. Today, fuel efficiency plays a major role in regulations, driving teams to optimize every drop. This shift has allowed for innovative strategies, like those seen from top F1 teams, and even across Red Bull Racing's events.
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Overview of F1 fuel efficiency regulations
Formula 1 operates under tight regulations set by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the sport’s governing body. These rules not only control the amount of fuel allowed per race, but also limit the rate at which fuel can flow each second on the track.
These fuel management strategies were radically transformed in 2014. First, a new hybrid engine design that restricted fuel flow was introduced. The FIA also began to require fuel-flow monitors in F1 cars. These sensors check the fuel flow rate 2,200 times per second to ensure cars aren’t consuming fuel faster than the 100kg per hour limit.
The new rules around fuel consumption pushed teams to rethink how fuel efficiency can give them an advantage. Fuel load management, which requires teams to balance the amount of fuel with the car’s weight and overall performance, thus became a key element of consideration.
Max Verstappen makes a pit stop during the F1 Grand Prix of China
© Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool
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Current fuel efficiency technologies in use
F1 teams incorporate forward-thinking technologies to stay competitive while adhering to F1’s fuel-related bylaws. One example is Hybrid Power Units (HPUs), which combines internal combustion engines with electrical components like turbochargers to enhance efficiency and performance. Energy Recovery Systems within HPUs also capture energy during braking and reapply it during acceleration, boosting fuel efficiency.
Aerodynamic efficiency is another critical factor. By optimizing the car’s shape to reduce drag, teams can decrease the engine's workload, thus lowering fuel consumption.
The advancements in these areas have made it to road vehicles. Ferrari’s SF90 features twin-part rear wings as part of its drag reduction system, which increases fuel efficiency at higher velocities.
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Innovative practices from leading F1 teams
The top teams in F1 have developed unique approaches to fuel management. Mercedes, for example, relies heavily on thermal efficiency. Their engine power units are designed to make the most of every drop of fuel, converting energy more efficiently than most competitors. Ferrari, on the other hand, has heavily invested in aerodynamic efficiency, reducing drag to allow for better fuel use without sacrificing speed.
Esso Synergy racing fuel
© Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool
Red Bull Racing has also been at the forefront of fuel innovation, especially since partnering with Esso for fuel in 2017. During the 2022 season, Esso provided its F1 partners with E10 fuel to meet the FIA’s standards. This cleaner fuel, made of 90 percent fossil fuels and 10 percent ethanol, provided a great boost to Oracle Red Bull Racing’s RB18 car. Cleaner combustion in the HPU translated to better engine performance — and more power on the track.
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Challenges and limitations to fuel efficiency strategies
Despite these advancements, fuel efficiency in F1 isn’t without its obstacles. The limited fuel flow rates mean teams must carefully manage how fuel is used during a race. Because racers are bound by fuel flow rate regulations, moves that require a ton of power on limited fuel, such as overtaking, can be more of a challenge. In other words, these fuel restrictions can inadvertently prevent drivers from passing their competitors on the track.
Despite these advances, F1’s 20-car grid only makes up 1 percent of F1’s total carbon footprint in racing. Some believe that the focus on fuel sustainability in racing strategies is a catalyst for adopting carbon-neutral fuel in other areas of the racing industry. This is exactly what F1 is trying to achieve. Even though 1 percent seems small, it’s a step in the right direction.
Max Verstappen
© Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool
There are other areas in which F1 is improving fuel efficiency outside of racing itself. F1 has acknowledged that travel and logistics take up a decent amount of its baseline footprint — and they’re already taking steps to improve it. Drawing inspiration from the introduction of more efficient Boeing 777F freighter jets, F1’s logistics partner DHL moved to biofuel-powered truck fleets. As efficient fuels continue to evolve, F1 is ready to step up and implement new ways of reducing its overall fuel consumption.
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The future of fuel efficiency in F1
F1 is getting an entire makeover in 2026 — and sustainable fuels are expected to be at the forefront of this overhaul. To start, fossil carbon will be strictly prohibited going forward. All carbon present in F1 fuel must be produced from either non-food sources, genuine municipal waste, or even the atmosphere. Red Bull’s fuel partner, Esso, has reaffirmed they're committed to meeting the moment, working toward 100 percent sustainable fuels that don’t sacrifice power output.
F1 engines will also face requirements meant to conserve additional braking energy. Race car engines will use three times the electrical power from the Kinetic Motor Generator Unit (MGU-K). While today’s engines produce 120kW of energy, the power units of the future will generate around 350kW. That means less fuel consumption for more power (up to 1,000 horsepower, to be exact.)
As the sport races toward the goal of net zero carbon by 2030, F1 teams will shift to make fuel efficiency and carbon footprint reduction a top priority.
Driving the future of F1 fuel sustainability
Fuel efficiency strategies are central to modern F1 racing, influencing everything from car design to race-day tactics. From the introduction of hybrid power units to the continual refinement of regenerative braking systems, F1 teams have developed numerous ways to optimize fuel usage. As the sport continues to evolve and regulations from F1 continue to pursue sustainability in the sport, fuel efficiency will remain a hot topic on and off the track.
