As Formula 1 prepares for the 2026 season, only Shell and BP have fully met the FIA’s new certification standards for sustainable fuel, according to Italian reports. Shell, which supplies Ferrari, Haas, and Cadillac, and BP, Audi’s fuel partner, are the only two companies confirmed to have completed all required testing for the upcoming regulations.
Transition to Fully Sustainable Fuels in Formula 1
Beginning in 2026, Formula 1 engines will be mandated to operate exclusively on fuels derived from sustainable bio or synthetic sources, replacing conventional fossil gasoline altogether. The certification and production processes are managed by Zemo under FIA supervision to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
Ongoing Approval Among Other Fuel Partners
Other suppliers are reportedly still in the process of achieving certification and might start the season with only provisional approval. While it is not expected that any team will miss the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, some teams may need to use temporary fuel blends during the initial races.
Uncertainty Surrounding Petronas and Mercedes Teams
Significantly, Petronas has not yet secured formal homologation for their fuel used in Mercedes power units. The intensified environmental criteria have complicated the approval timeline, creating uncertainty about whether Mercedes-powered teams will have to begin the season using alternative fuel formulations.
Piero Ferrari Voices Concerns over Complexity and Environmental Impact
Italian journalist Leo Turrini recently shared remarks from Ferrari’s vice chairman Piero Ferrari, who expressed frustration with the increasing technical complexity in Formula 1 regulations. He said,
“Instead, it would be nice if ordinary people were able to understand why a single-seater is faster or slower than the competition. Furthermore, there are exaggerations that leave me perplexed. For example, I doubt we’ll improve the planet’s environmental health by running F1 on highly sophisticated and expensive special fuels.”
– Piero Ferrari, Ferrari Vice Chairman
Costs and Challenges of New Sustainable Fuel
Early figures suggest that the new fully sustainable fuels may cost around EUR 200 to 300 per liter starting in 2026, which is several times higher than the previous fuel blends used in Formula 1. This steep price increase adds further pressure on teams adjusting to the updated environment-focused requirements.
