Picture Credit: Twitter/@F1
Formula 1 team Mercedes announced a contract extension with title sponsors Petronas beyond 2026. This means that the Malaysian oil company will work with the eight-time constructors' champions beyond 2026 – and will supply the Silver Arrows with sustainable fuel. Notably, Petronas' title sponsorship began in 2010, when the Mercedes F1 team was formed after a buyout of Brawn GP.
Extending the contract means Petronas will develop the sustainable fuel needed for the next generation of F1 power units. Notably, the new era of F1 power units is set to be implemented in 2026 as Formula 1's power units will use 100% sustainable fuels. Apart from that, they will also deploy three times the electrical power they do now and will try to be far more environmentally responsible. All of this is being done to reduce carbon emissions.
“Today we are doing something a little bit unusual – announcing a partnership that will begin in four years’ time. This sends an important message: our team and Petronas are no longer just partners, we are family, and we will be one team for many more years to come,” said Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff.
“From 2026, advanced sustainable fuel will be at the heart of F1 performance – and this gives us a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate our expertise in this domain, through both the power unit and Petronas Fluid Technology Solutions", Wolff added.
"We are excited to be racing into the future alongside Petronas, with the ambition to set the standard once again, in our on-track performance and by pioneering the transition of a global sports team to a net-zero future”, he continued.
While Petronas will continue to provide sustainable fuel to Mercedes, they are also working on supplying Sustainable Aviation Fuel from 2027. “We are already on track with developing a greenfield biorefinery and co-processing at our facilities to supply sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as a cleaner and more viable option for aircrafts in our effort to support the aviation industry needs,” said the CEO of Petronas Downstream, Datuk Sazali.
“This is in line with the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) which is expected to come into mandatory effect by 2027 as well as the FIA's net zero by 2030 commitment – both of which will affect the logistics operations of F1 teams.”