Petronas Faces Critical Timeline Push to Certify Mercedes F1 Fuel for 2026 Season
Petronas is working urgently to secure official homologation for the sustainable fuel that will power Mercedes-affiliated teams throughout the 2026 Formula 1 season. The fuel certification process has become more complex following changes to testing and verification procedures that were implemented following the previous year.
The clock is ticking for Petronas as the Malaysian energy giant races to complete the certification process for its sustainable fuel blend destined for Mercedes-powered F1 teams competing in the 2026 season.
The certification landscape has shifted considerably compared to previous years. Historically, fuel testing and homologation duties fell to a British laboratory that maintained FIA affiliation, where manufacturers could submit samples for straightforward compliance verification against the sport's technical rulebook.
However, this streamlined approach is no longer in place, creating additional hurdles for Petronas to navigate as it seeks the necessary sign-off for its fuel formulation ahead of the 2026 campaign.
Original source
Motorsport.com
Related Regulations
Hover over badges for quick summaries, or scroll down for full official text and simplified explanations.
Full Regulation Text
Article 79
Fuel
Chapter: Appendix C4
In Simple Terms
F1 cars must use approved fuel that meets strict FIA specifications for safety and competitive fairness. Teams cannot add illegal additives or use fuel from unauthorized suppliers, and fuel must be checked and verified before and after races.
- All fuel must be FIA-approved and meet technical specifications
- Fuel samples are tested before and after races for compliance
- Teams cannot use unauthorized fuel suppliers or add illegal additives
- Fuel regulations ensure safety and maintain competitive balance
Official FIA Text
Fuel
Article C16.1.2
Advanced Sustainable Fuels Requirements
Chapter: C16
In Simple Terms
F1 fuel must be made entirely from advanced sustainable sources that are certified and tracked separately from regular fuel. The fuel must meet strict environmental standards for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and teams cannot mix sustainable fuel with traditional fuel or use co-processing methods.
- Fuel must be 100% advanced sustainable components with official certification
- Must achieve significant greenhouse gas emissions reductions per EU standards
- Co-processing with non-sustainable fuels is strictly prohibited
- Sustainable fuel components must be kept completely segregated from conventional fuels
Official FIA Text
Fuel must comprise solely advanced sustainable components with certified compounds/refinery streams. Must achieve GHG emissions savings per EU Renewable Energy Directive. Co-processing not permitted. Components must be segregated from non-sustainable fuels.
Article 1.1
Homologation dossier submission
Chapter: Appendix C5
In Simple Terms
Before a new engine manufacturer can supply power units to F1 teams, they must submit official documentation to the FIA by March 1st of their first year competing. Each manufacturer can only submit one set of these documents.
- Engine manufacturers must register with the FIA before competing
- Homologation dossier (technical documentation) must be submitted by March 1st of the first year supplying engines
- Only one homologation dossier is allowed per manufacturer
- This ensures all engines meet F1 technical regulations and standards
Official FIA Text
Any PU Manufacturer registered must submit to FIA a Power Unit homologation dossier before 1 March of first year intending to supply. Each PU Manufacturer shall present only one homologation dossier.
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