Mercedes F1 fuel suppliers are in ‘a race against time’ to be ready for the Australian Grand Prix

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Mercedes fuel suppliers Petronas may not receive full approval in time for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, according to a report. There are now less than three weeks to go before the race in Melbourne.

F1 teams are switching to sustainable fuels for 2026, though they haven’t been using the final versions during pre-season testing. The FIA have hired external inspectors to monitor every step in the production process.

The fuel approval process is taking much longer this year as a result. Petronas have not only supplied Mercedes‘ fuel, but have also been their title sponsor since they returned to F1 in 2010.

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In addition to the works team, Mercedes’ Brixworth facility also builds engines for McLaren, Williams and Alpine.

Mercedes may not get fuel ‘approval’ in time for the Australian Grand Prix

Motorsport Italia relay a rumour in the Bahrain F1 testing paddock that Petronas are facing ‘a race against time’ to get their 2026 fuel certified.

Even if the process isn’t complete before Melbourne, it won’t threaten the participation of the eight Mercedes-powered cars. However, there’s a chance they will have to use a ‘provisional’ fuel instead, which could have an impact on performance.

Mercedes were the firm favourites for the 2026 title when they left the Barcelona Shakedown, but that status is coming under increasing threat.

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There’s a chance that Mercedes’ fuel compression ratio trick, believed to be worth multiple tenths per lap, will be banned at an F1 Commission meeting this week. This could force the team to make late changes to their engine.

With the fuel issues now a factor too, Mercedes and their customers could be compromised for Australia and potentially beyond.

Every F1 team’s fuel supplier for the 2026 season

Petronas aren’t the only supplier having problems. A report in December suggested that Shell made mistakes with Ferrari’s 2026 fuel, while there are also rumblings that Aramco’s lack of experience could hurt Aston Martin.

Team bosses will be wary of criticising suppliers in public because many of them are also sponsors. Aramco are title partners like Petronas, making the partnership especially lucrative.

2026 debutants Red Bull Powertrains are working with ExxonMobil, while Audi have collaborated with Castrol. In addition to the teams themselves, these giants of the petrochemical industry are also in competition.