The fuel produced by Petronas will be a key element for Mercedes in the 2026 Formula 1 season, following months of dedicated development work.
Starting from this season, the changes do not concern only the cars. In 2026, fuels will also play a significant role, and Mercedes, as it has done for the past 15 years, will once again rely on Petronas. Development has been ongoing for several months, with certain solutions constantly being refined and updated.
From this year onwards, fuels themselves have undergone major changes. The direction taken by Formula 1 is sustainability, and substantial work has been carried out in this area. Manufacturers must now guarantee minimal environmental impact not only during fuel combustion on track, but also throughout the entire production process.
Petronas had to work extensively before delivering the finished product to Mercedes. Development focused primarily on efficiency, a theme that will be of vital importance for the performance of all teams under the new regulations.
The fuel developed by Petronas
Petronas will once again partner Mercedes in 2026 for fuel production. The role played by this partnership becomes even more influential in determining the performance of the W17. Datuk Sazali, Executive Vice President and CEO Downstream, explained the work carried out during the development process.
“Fuel is fundamental to performance in Formula 1, as it powers every lap and every acceleration on track. For Petronas, the 2026 regulations have reinforced the need to formulate fuels differently, with performance, efficiency and sustainability designed together. Our tailored advanced sustainable fuels are the result of years of formulation work and continuous engine testing, ensuring they meet the extreme demands of racing.”
The partnership, however, is not limited to fuel alone. The supply provided to Mercedes also covers other parts of the power unit: “What differentiates our approach is how we formulate fuels, lubricants and fluids as a single, complete performance system. From PETRONAS Primax fuel to PETRONAS Syntium engine oil and PETRONAS Tutela hydraulic fluid,” he added.
The engine department needs to be fully aware of ongoing fuel development, and the same applies in reverse. When Petronas and Mercedes first entered Formula 1 together, they were not competing at the very front, but today the objective of both organisations is crystal clear.
“Each formulation is custom-built to unlock the full potential of the car. This reflects our long-standing role in motorsport and our strong commitment to applying the knowledge gained in Formula 1 to help define and develop the next generation of fuel and fluid technologies.”
The collaboration between Mercedes and Petronas for the 2026 season underscores how the move to 100% sustainable fuels has transformed the role of the fuel provider into a primary architectural partner for the W17. By developing fuels, lubricants, and hydraulic fluids as a “single complete system,” Petronas is ensuring that the complex new power units can extract maximum thermal efficiency while meeting the FIA’s rigorous environmental standards. As Datuk Sazali noted, the success of the upcoming campaign will depend on this years-long testing process, proving that in the new hybrid era, the battle for the championship is being fought in the laboratory just as much as on the racetrack.
In summary, the deep integration between Petronas’ sustainable formulations and Mercedes’ engine design is set to be a key performance differentiator throughout the 2026 championship.
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