Green light for Mercedes and Petronas fuels for 2026: after the initial deadlock, the homologation has finally been completed
In recent weeks, doubts had emerged regarding the new sustainable fuels for 2026, with Mercedes and Petronas still waiting to receive final approval from the FIA. Just days before the green light in Melbourne, the long-awaited breakthrough has arrived. According to The Race, the Federation has completed the homologation process required for Mercedes to use the new fuel developed in collaboration with Petronas.
The reason behind the delay
Delving deeper into the matter, the British outlet clarified that the long wait was due to the new and more complex verification process introduced for 2026 fuels. Starting next season, Formula 1 fuels will need to meet much stricter criteria, not only in terms of technical specifications but also regarding the traceability of raw materials and the environmental impact throughout the entire production cycle.
For this reason, the FIA entrusted the checks to an independent body, the Zemo Partnership, tasked with certifying every single step: from raw materials to the final product, each stage of the supply chain is analyzed and verified to ensure compliance with the regulations. With homologation now completed, Mercedes can close the final remaining bureaucratic chapter and focus exclusively on the track.
Photos: Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team
