Which Fuel brand will F1 teams use in 2026?

F1 is entering a new era. With updated technical regulations and the introduction of 100% eco‑fuels, the 2026 season will be a testing ground not only for drivers and chassis. Also for the 11 teams and for heart of the cars: the hybrid power unit and the fuel brands that powers it.

The electric component is becoming increasingly influential, making overall power unit performance a sophisticated combination of fuel chemistry and energy management. But which fuel will the teams use? And why are some teams theoretically at an advantage? Let’s find out.

The Role of ecoFuel in F1: No Longer “Just Gasoline”

Traditionally, petrol in F1 was an important but relatively straightforward factor. The goal was to maximize energy and combustion stability within the engine.
Today, with the electric component potentially contributing a significant portion of total power, propellant has to do more. It has to integrate with complex hybrid systems, optimize performance across power transients, and support increasingly precise race strategies.

Here you can find a clearer analysis of the 2026 regulations and engines.

With the arrival of 100% eco‑fuels in 2026, F1 aims to drastically reduce environmental impact. Moving toward energy sources with almost zero CO₂ emissions. But this doesn’t make the game any easier. Far from it.

Ecofuels are synthetic or bio‑derived fuels that, at equal energy output, aim to reduce overall carbon footprint. In practice, they produce much less CO₂ over their life cycle, maintain high combustion performance, and require massive R&D efforts from petrol companies.

Each team will need to work hand in hand with brands to carve out a competitive advantage.

Aston Martin and Aramco: A Strategic Alliance

Aston Martin stands out with its partnership with Aramco. An energy giant capable of developing tailor‑made fuels designed to maximize hybrid engine performance. In addition, Aston Martin will use Honda engines, launching a collaboration that could help Stroll’s team aim very high. Combining a powerful power unit with fuel optimized for 100% eco‑fuel.

Brands like Ferrari, Haas, and Cadillac will continue their collaboration with Shell, maintaining a long‑standing relationship that combines experience and advanced fuel technology research. This will be crucial for consistent performance and reliability throughout the season.

Audi will rely on BP, leveraging the company’s gasoline development capabilities to optimize hybrid engine efficiency and power transient management.

Red Bull and RacingBulls will be supported by ExxonMobil, but starting in 2026 they will use Ford engines, opening a new technical chapter for the Austrian team. Power sources will continue to be designed to integrate perfectly with the new hybrid power unit and electric energy management strategies during races.

Mercedes, McLaren, Williams, and Alpine will continue their collaboration with Petronas. Leveraging the company’s deep expertise in creating high-performance, reliable products that can adapt to the needs of modern engines increasingly linked to electric systems.

A curious fact concerns Alpine. Despite Eni being the team’s main sponsor, it is still unclear which petrol the French team will actually use. However, since Alpine will run Mercedes engines in 2026, it will likely be difficult not to adopt the same supplier as the parent manufacturer.

Williams also deserves a clarification: although the livery features Gulf as a sponsor, the oil company will be present only as a provider of lubricants and as a general sponsor, without supplying the actual fuel.