Can Red Bull benefit from using a different fuel?

Red Bull Racing is entering its final year with Honda as engine supplier, before the team takes over that project itself in 2022. They are pulling out all the stops to have a shot at the world title in 2021: They're even using a new, specially developed type of fuel.

Special new fuel for Red Bull

The fuel, called 'Synergy Race Fuel', has been developed by fuel supplier Esso (ExxonMobil) in cooperation with engineers from Honda and Red Bull Racing. ExxonMobil says they have mixed new petrol and oil in an attempt to make gains in that area too.

Helmut Marko tempers expectations somewhat though. "It's common that fuel and oil are improved every season, others do the same," Marko told Autobild. It is also almost impossible to imagine that the fuel could provide a significant advantage: It has to be 99 per cent the same as normal petrol you fill up at a station, according to regulations.

The devil is in the details

So the difference is in that final percent, where the components are carefully mixed. Mario Illien, former engine designer for Mercedes, explains: "A normal engine has to be extremely durable. With a Formula 1 engine, you want maximum performance with low consumption, and the lifespan is limited. Therefore, the ignition must be as close to the knock limit (uncontrolled ignition) as possible."

He continued: "It is important not to exceed the knock line in order not to endanger the engine. To do this, however, the fuel must have a different composition to that of a normal car. You can win or lose a championship with fuel and oil. A new fuel mixture can produce an extra five horsepower," Illien concluded.