Kuala Lampur:Petronas is actively seeking ways to make its advanced sustainable fuel (ASF) more affordable while retaining its high performance as Formula One (F1) power unit regulations evolve.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Petronas' downstream executive vice president and CEO, Datuk Seri Sazali Hamzah, highlighted the ongoing challenges the company faces in achieving this goal. He explained that company scientists are exploring various options to reduce costs without compromising performance. This initiative is taking place in collaboration with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team, as they prepare for the upcoming changes in F1's power unit framework.
F1 plans to revise its power unit regulations in 2027 and 2028, which will impact the development of both the Mercedes power unit and Petronas' sustainable fuel. In 2027, the internal combustion engine power will see an increase to 420 kilowatts (kW), while the electric power from the battery will be reduced by 50kW. Energy harvesting will also see an increase, altering the power split between the internal combustion engine and electric components from 53:47 to 58:42. A further adjustment in 2028 will push the internal combustion engine power to 450kW, changing the split to 60:40.
Toto Wolff, Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team principal, noted that the regulatory changes will necessitate a higher fuel flow, requiring the engine and fuel package to be optimized to meet these demands. However, he assured that the formula of the current sustainable fuel would remain unchanged. Wolff emphasized the importance of maintaining a performance advantage through these adjustments.
Sazali stated that F1 offers Petronas the chance to develop and enhance its fuels, with potential applications extending beyond motorsports. The partnership with Mercedes has enabled Petronas to advance future fuels and specifications in anticipation of sustainability requirements. This collaboration has been ongoing since 2022, with the ASF being used in Mercedes' F1 cars since the start of the current season.
He also credited Malaysian experts for their significant contributions to the development of ASF, noting that key personnel involved in the project are Malaysians. Sazali acknowledged the challenge of moving from development to commercial production within the four-year timeframe leading up to the 2026 F1 regulations.
In addition to its work with F1, Petronas uses the platform to test and validate various fuels and lubricants, translating racetrack insights into broader product applications, including Petronas Primax fuels and Syntium lubricants.
Wolff described the collaboration between Petronas and Mercedes as a technical partnership rather than a traditional sponsorship. He highlighted the importance of their integrated efforts in contributing to the F1 team's success, emphasizing that sustainable fuel will remain a key component in the future of automotive energy, regardless of the vehicle type.