Ferrari’s fuel supplier are now facing worrying ‘problems’ just weeks before 2026 F1 testing begins

Follow us on Google Discover

After a disappointing 2025 campaign, Ferrari are already on the back foot for the upcoming season due to one issue they are experiencing with their fuel supplier.

Alongside the overhaul that is hitting the power units, F1 is also switching to 100% sustainable fuels as part of the new 2026 regulations in a move to reduce the carbon footprint of the world championship.

Each team has a fuel supplier, who are currently hard at work trying to create the most efficient formula to power their respective constructor to success.

The exit of several key figures within Ferrari has sparked fear among the Tifosi, who are desperate to see their beloved red cars reach the heights of their former glory.

However, after a tumultuous year during the newly concluded 2025 season, they may experience further disappointment in 2026 through matters outside of their control.

• READ MORE: ‘Whispers’ around Ferrari’s 2026 engine have led to two conclusions that will concern Lewis Hamilton

Ferrari’s fuel supplier currently has the ‘least advanced’ synthetic fuel on the F1 grid

According to a report by Motorpasion Moto, the Scuderia’s fuel supplier is currently developing the ‘least advanced’ calibre of synthetic fuel in line with the new regulations.

Ferrari-powered engines are supplied with fuel from Shell, in a partnership that began from the very first day of Enzo Ferrari’s luxury car venture.

The British oil and gas company also supplies Ducati Corse, the MotoGP constructor who are also facing an issue with the fuel once the two-wheeled racing category switches to sustainable power in 2027.

The report states that Shell opted for a different technique when it came to developing a formula for the new regulations, which is currently ‘causing them problems’.

Pre-season testing will kick off in just under two months, leaving the experts not much time at all to find a solution to their problems.

With a new regulation cycle, especially one that concerns an engine overhaul, teething problems are natural.

However, Ferrari may find themselves on the wrong end of a lot more retirements than their on-track rivals if their fuel isn’t up to scratch.

• READ MORE: New Ferrari recruits immediately concerned by what they’ve seen in the team’s 2026 F1 engine testing

Aston Martin are understood to have the ‘most advanced’ formula of synthetic fuel

Due to synthetic fuels being a relatively undeveloped piece of the puzzle in F1’s new regulations, there could prove to be a significant gap in performance between the manufacturers who get it right, and those who don’t.

According to the report, Aston Martin are understood to benefit from the ‘most advanced’ formula of fuel through their supplier, Aramco.

They will be the only team to utilise fuel from the Saudi Arabian giants, due to their title partnership with the company, as well as being the only team to be supplied with engines from Honda.

The Japanese manufacturer have also made it clear that Silverstone-based constructor are the only team they are interested in working with, as outlined by Honda Racing Corporation President Koji Watanabe in a recent interview with the team.

He said, “For the moment, we’re not considering supplying any other teams. We want to concentrate on winning with Aston Martin Aramco.

“In the future, if there are benefits to supplying multiple teams, in terms of the feedback that provides, then yes, of course, it is something we would consider.”