The weekend of March 3, 2023 was a significant milestone in the motorsport world as the 2023 season gets underway at the Bahrain International Circuit, with the first competitive use of Advanced Sustainable Fuels in all Formula 2 and Formula 3 cars.
This groundbreaking innovation, developed by Formula 1 Global Partner Aramco, is being introduced in the FIA Formula 2 and Formula 3 Championships, setting the stage for a broader rollout in Formula 1 by 2026, in accordance with the new engine regulations.
As approved by the World Motor Sport Council, Formula 2 and Formula 3 cars will run on 55% Advanced Sustainable Fuels throughout the 2023 Championships. This move underscores the role of the junior Championships in shaping the future of Formula 1. The proportion of sustainable fuel used in these categories will increase annually, reaching 100% by the 2027 season. This gradual integration aligns with the FIA Formula One World Championship’s plan to adopt 100% sustainable fuel starting in 2026.
The implementation of Advanced Sustainable Fuel is a crucial component of Formula 1’s broader sustainability strategy, which aims for Net Zero Carbon by 2030. Aramco’s development of low carbon fuels is designed to meet and exceed FIA standards as a “drop-in” technology. This means these fuels could be used in the world’s existing car fleet, significantly contributing to the reduction of global transport emissions.
During pre-season testing last month, Formula 2 and Formula 3 drivers completed over 8000 laps using the 55% Advanced Sustainable Fuel. This extensive testing underscores the reliability and performance of the new fuel. The FIA Formula 2 and Formula 3 Championships kick off alongside the FIA Formula One World Championship from March 3-5, 2023, featuring 14 rounds for Formula 2 and 10 rounds for Formula 3.
The introduction of Advanced Sustainable Fuel is just the latest in a series of innovations by Formula 1 and the motorsport industry, aimed at revolutionizing the future of transportation. By pioneering such advancements, Formula 1 continues to play a critical role in developing technologies that will shape a more sustainable future for global transport.
A lot of research and dedication has gone into the creation of the Advanced Sustainable Fuels that the F2 and F3 cars will be using this year, and we’re delighted to see it now in action on the racetrack. The role of the F2 and F3 Championships has never been more important, as they continue to nurture the next generation of driver talent and inspire game-changing innovation. Sustainability is a huge focus for us at F1 as the business continues on the journey to being Net Zero Carbon by 2030, and the development of the Advanced Sustainable Fuels alongside our Global Partner Aramco, is a huge step that will see the sport and the wider automotive industry move towards a more sustainable future.
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO, Formula 1
The FIA has long been an advocate of motor sport’s power to bring about positive change through technologies. The introduction of World Motor Sport Council approved Advanced Sustainable Fuels to the FIA Formula 2 and Formula 3 is a significant landmark on our sport’s journey towards carbon neutrality and is a key element of our progress towards implementing 100% sustainable fuels in Formula 1. Our sport leads the way in offering innovative and proactive solutions that have huge potential for the future of all transport.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President
Today is a very important day. It marks an extraordinary breakthrough in motorsport with F2 and F3 becoming the first championships to introduce Advanced Sustainable Fuels on track. It’s another major step in making our sport more sustainable. We have been working very hard behind the scenes with our partner Aramco and we are proud to see all fifty-two cars now running successfully with these fuels.
Bruno Michel, CEO, FIA Formula 2 and FIA Formula 3
The milestone reached shows that we can achieve lower life-cycle emissions from combustion engines by investing in the fuels that power them. Aramco’s researchers and our partners are working hard to make motorsports fully powered by low carbon fuels a reality. Aramco is committed to exploring practical solutions that can enable decarbonization of the transport sector, from low carbon fuels and more efficient engines to cutting-edge materials and carbon capture technology.
Ahmad Al-Khowaiter, Chief Technology Officer, Aramco
Source: Formula 1, March 2023
