How PETRONAS is Steering F1 Towards a Sustainable Future

Information taken from this article: https://www.petronas.com/media/media-releases/petronas-showcases-its-fluid-technology-innovations-kimi-antonelli 

In the high-stakes, fuel-guzzling world of Formula 1, the concept of sustainability might seem like a paradox. Yet, within the state-of-the-art PETRONAS Global Research & Technology Centre in Turin, that is precisely the mission: to harness the sport's relentless drive for performance to accelerate a greener automotive future.

This fusion of speed and sustainability was the focus for Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS driver Kimi Antonelli during a recent technical tour, ahead of his home Grand Prix in Imola. For the young Italian, it was a glimpse into the science powering his car. For observers, it was a clear signal that F1’s R&D labs are becoming incubators for mainstream environmental technology.

"The visit represents the essence of our enduring partnership," said Ir. Norafizal Mat Saad, PETRONAS Vice President of Group Strategic Relations and Communications. "For 15 years, we've collaborated to push the boundaries of fluid technology innovation, translating track-tested solutions into real-world applications."

This "track-to-road" philosophy is the core of the partnership. The Turin centre, a cornerstone of the 15-year collaboration that has yielded eight Constructors' Championships, is no longer just focused on shaving milliseconds off a lap time. It is actively developing formulations for New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), advanced alternative fuels, and energy-efficient lubricants designed for everyday use.

The extreme conditions of an F1 engine serve as the ultimate proving ground. A lubricant that reduces friction in a Mercedes-AMG F1 car can be adapted into a more efficient engine oil for consumer vehicles, directly improving fuel economy and reducing emissions. Khalil Muri, Managing Director and CEO of PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI), framed the visit as a symbol of this broader goal. "Kimi Antonelli’s visit... reflects PETRONAS Lubricants International’s pivotal role in advancing innovation and sustainability," Muri stated. "Through PLI, we turn track-tested technology into real-world solutions, aligned with our vision... enriching lives for a sustainable future."

For Antonelli, the visit provided a new appreciation for the partnership. "Seeing the level of detail, innovation, and teamwork behind it all gives you a whole new perspective," the driver remarked. "It’s clear how much passion and expertise go into supporting us on track." As F1 itself marches towards its ambitious net-zero carbon goal by 2030 and introduces a new sustainable fuel mandate in 2026, the work being done by partners like PETRONAS is transitioning from a peripheral benefit to a central purpose. The race is no longer just about winning on Sunday; it's about ensuring the technology that gets the chequered flag can help power a cleaner world on Monday.