F1 executives are concerned about the rapidly rising costs of 'green' fuel.

      "Perhaps a specific bracket should be implemented."

      Formula 1 team leaders are growing increasingly concerned about the impending surge in costs associated with powering the 2026 generation of cars. In an ironic development, the electrical aspect of the power units is set to rise to a staggering 50 percent next year, while the price of fuel is expected to increase tenfold. Currently, the more conventional fuel costs teams around $30 per litre, but one engine manufacturer reportedly indicated at the recent F1 Commission meeting that the fully-sustainable fuel next year could reach an astonishing $300 per litre.

      Christian Horner, head of the Red Bull team, which is establishing its own power unit division in collaboration with Ford, downplayed the concerns. "For us personally, it’s not a major issue," he stated. "Perhaps a certain bracket should be introduced moving forward," Horner suggested, alluding to possible adjustments to the budget cap. "However, fuel may be a significant performance differentiator. The fuel companies seem quite engaged in that," he noted.

      Mercedes boss Toto Wolff explained why fuel costs are projected to soar. "The entire supply chain and energy contribution must be environmentally friendly," he remarked. "Achieving that requires specific ingredient specifications that are very costly – and they are proving to be much more expensive than anticipated. So we need to explore whether there are any adjustments we can make to lower the per-litre price."

      Nonetheless, Mercedes is also believed to be very confident about its potential competitiveness at the outset of the new regulations, partly due to the innovation and investment from their fuel partner, Petronas. "We want to remain open-minded," stated the Austrian. "Petronas has been an excellent partner for us. They are fully dedicated to the technical aspects of the project, and together we are considering whether there are any regulations that can be modified to improve financial sustainability."