The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One team has highlighted the pivotal role of sustainable fuel innovation in its current performance, emphasizing the integration of advanced power unit technology and eco-friendly fuel solutions. This season, the team operates using PETRONAS’ Advanced Sustainable Fuel (ASF), a 100% sustainable fuel developed through an extensive collaboration between the Malaysian energy company and Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS.
Deputy team principal Bradley Lord described the ASF project as a major undertaking spanning three years of research and development. He noted that the team approached the development with ambitious goals, aiming to match or exceed the performance of traditional fossil fuels without compromise. "We did not see any reason that a sustainable fuel had to bring any sort of performance compromise," Lord said, emphasizing the innovative nature of ASF and the comprehensive supply chain PETRONAS established—from feedstock sourcing to final product delivery—to support its implementation in competition.
PETRONAS executive vice president and Downstream CEO Datuk Seri Sazali Hamzah outlined that ASF is produced from renewable feedstock, including waste materials and non-food biomass, making it a viable sustainable alternative. He added that ASF is a "drop-in" fuel compatible with existing internal combustion engines, requiring no modifications. Developed by Malaysian fuel specialists since 2022, ASF’s introduction to the team’s W17 car this season reflects a close collaboration between PETRONAS and Mercedes, which has contributed to the team’s strong position atop the constructors’ and drivers’ championships.
Drivers also praised the fuel’s reliability and the team’s technical integration. George Russell highlighted the advantage of having a superior chassis and power unit, particularly in adapting to circuits like Sepang, which hosted this year’s Bahrain Grand Prix. Meanwhile, championship leader Kimi Antonelli emphasized the importance of technical partnerships, noting that regular checks conducted by PETRONAS personnel after each session ensure engine and fuel integrity, reinforcing driver confidence during races.
Beyond competition, PETRONAS officials described Formula One as a “fastest laboratory,” where technologies are rapidly tested and refined under extreme conditions. The company leverages insights gained on the track to enhance consumer fuel products such as Primax 97 and Primax 95 petrol, as well as lubricants and transmission fluids. These developments have also supported innovations beyond traditional vehicles, including cooling solutions for electric vehicles and data centers.
Sazali stressed the importance of translating racing technology into products accessible to the general market, with an emphasis on affordability and quality. “The challenge is to make sure that it is affordable and provides quality for all its applications for the masses,” he said. The ongoing collaboration with Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 reflects a broader commitment to performance, teamwork, and innovation, aligning sustainability goals with competitive racing excellence.