Ferrari and the fuel chosen by Shell for the 2026 engine: a different path from rivals, the pros and cons
Shell, Ferrari’s long-standing fuel partner, has chosen the type of petrol that will be used in the 2026 engine. It is a solution that differs from that adopted by rival manufacturers, and it comes with both advantages and potential weaknesses.
The challenge of the 2026 Formula 1 regulations also runs through the fuel, which will have to be fully sustainable. Shell, which will continue to support Ferrari, has selected the type of fuel to be used in the new Maranello power unit by following a different route compared to competitors, with the first difficulties already emerging during development.
“There is a fundamental change in the concept of fuel, and it does not concern the chemistry of the final molecules. They are still hydrocarbons. The difference is not there, but in the origin of the carbon atoms that form the basis of the molecules. The idea is that research is no longer focused solely on the final product and the best formulation for the engine, but that it moves further back along the chain.” These were the words of Valeria Loreti, Shell’s Technology Manager.
Under the new Formula 1 2026 regulations, fuel takes on an even more decisive role, including from a performance point of view. Further rumours have now emerged regarding the type of petrol chosen by the company with the “shell” logo, as well as the potential pros and cons for Ferrari in Maranello.
Shell chooses biofuel: is this the right path?
There are two main types of sustainable fuels. The first are biofuels, generated from the transformation of organic waste. The second are synthetic fuels, produced through chemical reactions that reintroduce carbon dioxide captured from the atmosphere. According to what has been reported by Motor.es, all teams will use synthetic fuels except those powered by Ferrari engines.
Ferrari, along with Haas and Cadillac, would in fact use biofuel for the 2026 engine. This decision would have allowed them to avoid ignition-related issues that some rivals have encountered. In Maranello, engineers reportedly managed to stabilise combustion relatively quickly, while several competitors are still dealing with difficulties that affect the overall power output of the Power Unit.
Of course, ongoing testing should eventually resolve these problems, but it remains an area where clear challenges still exist.
Further confirmation of this scenario comes from today’s article on AutoRacer.it, which states that Ferrari will use biofuel while all other engine manufacturers will rely on e-fuel. Naturally, this choice comes with both advantages and disadvantages. Through comments shared by Rosario Giuliana on X, a journalist for the Italian outlet, it also emerges that Shell itself has encountered certain issues during specific phases of development.
Finally, it is worth noting just how high the costs of the new fuel will be. A single full tank could cost up to €13,000. Some teams might even show up at the first tests with fuels that are not yet fully “green” and therefore not homologated under the new regulations.
Ferrari’s decision to prioritize advanced biofuels over the synthetic e-fuels favored by the rest of the paddock highlights a high-stakes “divergence” in 2026 engine philosophy. By leveraging Shell’s expertise in organic waste transformation, Maranello appears to have bypassed the early ignition and combustion stability issues currently hampering rival manufacturers. However, with fuel costs reaching astronomical levels and the long-term ceiling of biofuel performance still being debated, the Scuderia is effectively betting that their “different path” will provide the reliability and punch needed to reclaim the world title in this new era.
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