F1’s 2026 sustainable fuel could cost 10 times more, reaching up to $300 per litre: Report
TIMESOFINDIA.COM | May 2, 2025, 09.25 PM IST
Formula 1 teams are preparing for significant regulation changes set to take effect in 2026, which are expected to bring sweeping transformations across the sport. One of the most notable changes will be the introduction of a new, more sustainable fuel, which is currently under development. However, concerns have arisen over the projected cost, with estimates suggesting the new fuel could cost as much as $300 per litre. One team principal has described the anticipated price hike as “ridiculous.”
Such a price increase could lead to teams spending an estimated $80,000 to $100,000 per grand prix on fuel alone. The 2025 F1 calendar includes 24 race weekends, including six additional F1 Sprint events. The report also mentions that the FIA has committed to working on reducing these costs by 2027.
Currently, F1 cars use a fuel blend composed of unleaded petrol and ethanol, with strict regulations governing the mixture. The cost of this fuel ranges from $22 to $33 per litre. Since the implementation of the current regulations in 2022, the ethanol component was increased from 5.75 percent to 10 percent.
So far, the ongoing Formula 1 season has seen five races. This weekend, the series heads to Miami for the Grand Prix, which will also feature the second Sprint race of the season. Struggling teams like Aston Martin are hoping that the upcoming 2026 regulations will improve their situation to a great extent. Aston Martin’s technical director, Adrian Newey, is said to be fully focused on developing their 2026 car, which they believe will be significantly more competitive.
Also Read: All Formula 1 teams commit to the 2026 Concorde Agreement, securing long-term commercial terms
McLaren has emerged as the dominant force this season, with many dubbing their car the “fastest on the grid.” The team has won four of the first five races, with Oscar Piastri claiming three victories and Lando Norris taking one.
How the new fuel will be highly expensive as well
According to a report by The Race, there are growing concerns that both the development and eventual cost of the new fuel could pose a substantial financial burden for teams. During the F1 Commission meeting held in Geneva, it was revealed that the cost of the sustainable fuel could potentially range between $170 and $225 per litre. And this could reach $300 per litre with work still in progress.Such a price increase could lead to teams spending an estimated $80,000 to $100,000 per grand prix on fuel alone. The 2025 F1 calendar includes 24 race weekends, including six additional F1 Sprint events. The report also mentions that the FIA has committed to working on reducing these costs by 2027.
Currently, F1 cars use a fuel blend composed of unleaded petrol and ethanol, with strict regulations governing the mixture. The cost of this fuel ranges from $22 to $33 per litre. Since the implementation of the current regulations in 2022, the ethanol component was increased from 5.75 percent to 10 percent.
So far, the ongoing Formula 1 season has seen five races. This weekend, the series heads to Miami for the Grand Prix, which will also feature the second Sprint race of the season. Struggling teams like Aston Martin are hoping that the upcoming 2026 regulations will improve their situation to a great extent. Aston Martin’s technical director, Adrian Newey, is said to be fully focused on developing their 2026 car, which they believe will be significantly more competitive.
Also Read: All Formula 1 teams commit to the 2026 Concorde Agreement, securing long-term commercial terms
McLaren has emerged as the dominant force this season, with many dubbing their car the “fastest on the grid.” The team has won four of the first five races, with Oscar Piastri claiming three victories and Lando Norris taking one.