Kada Sárközi joined GPblog as an editor ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 season. He graduated with a BA in Sports Journalism in the UK and has covered Grands Prix and other F1 events live.
While 2026 power units are making headlines, what’s inside them will matter just as much as F1 moves towards sustainable fuels.
Amid the recent 'controversy' reportedly concerning Mercedes -and possibly Red Bull Ford-, power units are in the spotlight of the fans. As part of the new regulation change, the fuels used will evolve as well.
Entering the 2026 campaign, all teams will use advanced sustainable fuels.
The FIA explains: "The increase in electrical energy is just one element of a major FIA move towards a more sustainable Formula 1 and from 2026 all F1 cars will use advanced sustainable fuels.
"The FIA has mandated the use of sustainable fuel derived from 'Advanced Sustainable Components' (ASCs), ensuring they are sourced from non-food biomass, renewable feedstock of non-biological origin or municipal waste, and meet stringent greenhouse gas emissions thresholds."
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The FIA will verify the sustainability of these fuels to ensure they meet the federation’s strict rules.
Aston Martin's title sponsor is fuel provider Aramco - Photo: Race Pictures
Which fuels will Formula 1 team use?
Entering the upcoming year, there will be five separate power unit manufacturers in Formula 1: Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull Ford, Honda and Audi.
Each power unit manufacturer also has a different fuel provider. Some, including Petronas and Aramco, are title sponsors of Mercedes and Aston Martin. The Silverstone-based team will use Honda engines starting in 2026.
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Ferrari is partnered with Shell, while Red Bull is with ExxonMobil. The latest power unit manufacturer to join the sport, Audi, is partnering with bp, which will supply fuel through Castrol.
| Power units | Teams | Fuel providers |
| Mercedes | Mercedes, McLaren, Williams, Alpine | Petronas |
| Ferrari | Ferrari, Haas, Cadillac | Shell |
| Honda | Aston Martin | Aramco |
| Red Bull Ford | Red Bull, Racing Bulls | ExxonMobil |
| Audi | Audi | Castrol |
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