Formula 1's 2026 season brings the sport's most radical rule change, with cars running on advanced sustainable fuels for the first time. This shift from conventional petrol is a key step towards F1's 2030 Net Zero goal, moving beyond chassis and engine overhauls to redefine the sport's energy source.

ExxonMobil's Matti Alemayehu explains the fuel is derived from second-generation waste like manure and forestry residue, not food sources. The process requires synthesizing molecules to meet strict FIA mandates, ensuring over 65% greenhouse gas reduction. It’s a complex engineering challenge, not a simple movie moment.

Development took three years, with over 100 formulations tested in collaboration with Red Bull. While the hybrid system will provide more power, reducing fuel usage, the performance target remains high. ExxonMobil is already developing 2027 products, pushing boundaries in this new sustainable era.