The fuel change in Formula 1 raises concerns about fire safety
The transition to sustainable fuels by 2026 raises concerns about driver safety due to a high risk of fire. The F1 ensures that it is aware of this and will adapt accordingly.
As part of its carbon neutrality project, which it aims to achieve by 2030, F1 will change its regulations from 2026 with the introduction of new engines and new fuels. Thus, while the current race cars operate on E10 fuel, which is 10% renewable, in 2026 the new fuels will be 100% renewable.
The F1 aware of the risks
They will be manufactured using a technique that captures carbon dioxide/monoxide and hydrogen obtained from sustainable electricity sources, as well as biofuels made from sustainable, non-food biomass or municipal waste.
However, Formula 1 is aware of the uncertainties surrounding the safety of the drivers as this modification will result in a change in the nature of fires, which could indeed spread faster.
The fuel that we propose in Formula 1 for 2026 allows for up to 20% oxygenated or ethanol-based fuels. The way to fight against a fire is therefore slightly different. Different chemical products are used, as is the case today for electrical fires. Material compatibility must also be verified,” says Pat Symonds, technical director of F1, for Autosport.
The drivers’ combinations will have to adapt
Therefore, there is a real need to adapt the equipment. Equipment suppliers are thus awaiting news from the FIA to understand the dangers that exist around these new fuels and to adapt the combinations, underwear, and gloves of the drivers accordingly.
Maurizio Sicco, consultant for Puma’s activities in motorsports, declared that he hoped for clarifications from the FIA in order to define the changes to be made.
In the end, they must be careful, analyze the potential danger, and issue a new approval. They are behind on this point,” he declared.
He is awaiting a precise risk analysis in order to define new recommendations.
We must push the FIA to identify the true danger. With the new fuel, they must be very, very precise in assessing the risks, and then release a new certification.
