Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS) is actively seeking ways to make its advanced sustainable fuel (ASF) more cost-effective while maintaining its performance, amid ongoing development aligned with changes to Formula One’s (F1) power unit regulations. The national oil company’s scientists face the challenge of balancing affordability with fuel efficiency as the sport adjusts to new technical requirements.
Datuk Seri Sazali Hamzah, PETRONAS’ downstream executive vice-president and CEO, discussed these efforts during a recent media session alongside Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 team principal and CEO Toto Wolff in Kuala Lumpur. Sazali noted that researchers are exploring various options to reduce fuel costs without compromising performance.
F1’s power unit regulations will change notably in 2027 and 2028 to encourage more aggressive racing. Starting in 2027, the internal combustion engine's power will rise by 20 kilowatts (kW) to 420 kW, while electric power from the battery will be cut by 50 kW. This adjustment will shift the power distribution from a 53:47 internal combustion engine to electric split to 58:42. Another revision in 2028 will further increase internal combustion engine power to 450 kW, with a 60:40 split. These regulatory shifts allow for higher fuel flow and require both engine and fuel technologies to be optimized to maintain competitive advantages.
Wolff explained that while the fuel formula itself will not change, the new regulations demand that the engine and fuel system be pushed to higher levels of performance. “Keeping a performance advantage, that’s exactly what we want,” he said, highlighting the need to adapt to regulatory demands.
PETRONAS has maintained a close technical partnership with Mercedes-AMG since 2022, following the Singapore Grand Prix, preparing for the 2026 regulations. The advanced sustainable fuel developed by PETRONAS has been used in Mercedes F1 cars since the start of the current season. Sazali pointed to the recent positive outcomes in Australia and China as evidence of the synergy achieved when fuel, engine, and vehicle technologies are integrated effectively.
The Malaysian expertise behind the ASF is notable, with three key personnel in fuel development being Malaysians. Sazali mentioned that transitioning from initial research to commercial production within roughly four years posed a significant challenge, which was addressed through collaboration with the Mercedes engine program and timely completion of fuel production facilities.
Sustainable fuel certification remains a complex process, involving detailed greenhouse gas emissions calculations to meet environmental standards. However, Sazali indicated that the learning gained through this process will aid PETRONAS in evaluating future sustainable fuel options.
Beyond motorsports, PETRONAS leverages its F1 involvement to advance and validate fuels, lubricants, and functional fluids under extreme conditions, applying these innovations to broader markets. Products influenced by this research include PETRONAS Primax fuels, Syntium lubricants, and IONA fluids used for electric vehicles and data-center cooling.
Wolff described the relationship between PETRONAS and Mercedes as a technical partnership rather than a typical sponsorship, with PETRONAS playing a crucial role alongside Mercedes’ chassis and engine operations in contributing hardware and intellectual property to the team.