The Future of F1: Shell's Revolutionary Fuel Partnership with Ferrari
The Game-Changer: Shell's 2026 Fuel Revolution
In the world of Formula 1, innovation is the name of the game, and Shell is leading the charge with a groundbreaking partnership. Since the 1950 Monaco Grand Prix, Shell has been a trusted ally of Scuderia Ferrari, and now they're taking it to the next level with Advanced Sustainable race fuels set to debut in 2026.
A Sustainable Revolution
But what exactly are these Advanced Sustainable race fuels, and why is their development such a big deal? We turn to Shell's Principal Scientist for Motorsports, Valeria Loreti, for the answers.
"The key change for 2026 is the source of the fuel's molecules. They must be synthesized, manufactured, or generated from advanced sustainable feedstocks. The real game-changer is where these molecules come from," Loreti explains.
"We have the freedom to choose our processes and feedstocks, allowing us to create fuels from a variety of sources. For instance, we can utilize residues from the paper or wood industry, crops, agricultural waste, municipal waste, or even recycled plastics."
The challenge lies in measuring the energy used to process these molecules. The FIA has set a strict limit: the new race fuel must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 65% or more compared to a standard fossil fuel reference point.
Innovation in Action: Shell and Ferrari's Partnership
While the fuel's origin and sustainability are the main focuses, the actual fuel composition will remain similar to what's currently used. This is crucial for Scuderia Ferrari, as these molecules are already proven to work exceptionally well in their engines.
However, there's a twist: next year's power units will be significantly different from this year's. The 1.6-liter V6 turbo will still be present, but the electrical power provided by the MGU-K will be more prominent, while the MGU-H will be entirely removed.
"Adapting our fuel formulation to the engine's requirements is a critical goal," Loreti states. "We work like tailors, understanding the engine's design and selecting molecules that fit perfectly. It's about creating a custom-made solution, not a generic one."
The project began in 2022, and as soon as the current fuel hit the track, the team started working on the new formulation. This involved exploring market options, identifying gaps, and consulting with experts in manufacturing and chemistry.
"We've tapped into the knowledge of numerous colleagues, and we need to be creative," Loreti adds. "We're exploring new solutions, pushing the boundaries of what's been done before, to ensure we maintain performance, efficiency, and sustainability."
The Future of F1: A Partnership Evolves
This kind of challenge is what makes Shell's partnership with Scuderia Ferrari so successful and exciting. It fuels Loreti's enthusiasm for pushing the limits of technology, embracing new regulations, and raising the bar for the sport.
"I thrive in these moments of change and new regulations," Loreti says. "It's like starting from scratch and thinking outside the box, which is what makes it so thrilling. A new set of rules, a new goal—it makes the game more challenging and incredibly fun."
