Formula 2 to use Advanced Sustainable Fuels in competitive action for the first time

This weekend will see the first competitive use of Advanced Sustainable Fuels in all Formula 2 cars as the 2023 season gets underway at the Bahrain International Circuit. The innovation, developed by Formula 1 Global Partner Aramco, is being pioneered by the FIA Formula 2 and Formula 3 Championships before F1 switches to Advanced Sustainable Fuels in 2026, in line with the new engine regulations.

As approved by the World Motor Sport Council, F2 and F3 will run 55% Advanced Sustainable Fuels through the duration of the 2023 Championships, as the junior Championships continue to help shape the F1 of the future. Formula 2 and Formula 3 will gradually increase the sustainable elements year-on-year before reaching 100% for the 2027 season, following the introduction of 100% sustainable fuel to the FIA Formula One World Championship in 2026.

The development and implementation of the Advanced Sustainable Fuel is a key part of the wider sustainability strategy announced by Formula 1 to become Net Zero Carbon by 2030.

Aramco is working on the development of low carbon fuels which aim to exceed the FIA’s standards as a “drop-in” technology, meaning they could be rolled out to the world’s existing car fleet – helping to reduce global transport emissions. The Advanced Sustainable Fuel is the latest in a line of innovations that Formula 1 and the motorsport industry continues to develop to play a critical role in how transport will look in the future.

F2 and F3 drivers completed over 8000 laps on the 55% Advanced Sustainable Fuel during pre-season testing last month. The F2 and F3 Championships begin this weekend alongside the FIA Formula One World Championship on 3-5 March 2023, and will feature 14 rounds and 10 rounds respectively.

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO, Formula 1, said:

“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.”

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, said:

“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.”

Bruno Michel, CEO, FIA Formula 2 and FIA Formula 3, said:

“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.”

Ahmad Al-Khowaiter, Chief Technology Officer, Aramco, said:

“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.”