Why Do F1 Cars Have A Minimum Fuel Limit?

Every single F1 team has to follow certain rules around fuelling and we explain why this is in our latest F101.

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[realhkv]

Vettel after saying i don't care if they disqualify Me : *Shouldn't have said that*

[robs]

Speaking as an analytical chemist, it’s absolutely believable that they need the full 1 litre. I don’t know what specific tests they are running but most likely they are running numerous tests to look for multiple different chemical components, each test requiring a minimum sample size. My old lab used different sample bottles ranging from 250 ml to 3 litres depending on what analysis was required. If the sampler couldn’t collect enough sample, we would send them back to go get more.

Edit: I probably used a bad example here. My experience is mainly in water analysis looking at very low concentrations which is why we required such large samples which would then be reduced. I’m not experienced in the analysis of organic solutions like the fuel these cars use. Apologies for my ignorance. That being said, there are plenty of analyses which would require such large samples particularly if they are looking at chemicals which exist in low concentrations.

[carlosplanchart]

Assuming what Otmar said was true and the reason why they can’t extract the fuel is bc the fuel pump failed, they should be allowed to replace the fuel pump under direct supervision from the FIA. If they are lying and the fuel is not there, the DSQ is correct but if they get DSQ because they can’t extract the fuel due to a faulty pump, that’s just not fair. And for a team like Aston, these 18 points are huge.

[highseasmarinediaz]

Many years ago I worked for a petroleum surveying company and use to have to take tank sample at different heights of the the shore tank (large massive tanks). Each sample was exactly a liter. It takes a liter because the labs do multiple samples of the same test to ensure accuracy and multiple tests for different things in the product.

[walkergp]

Me when Charles and lando are out
My disappointment is immeasurable

When Seb is disqualified
...and my day is ruined

[maffiakillers]

Perhaps they need 1 liter of fuel to test the RON or MON. For each test you will need around 400ml to get the octane number. If you are interrested you could look up ASTM D 2699 or 2700 which explains the test method. Or wikipedia for a more simplified explanation.

[chefcc]

You left out the chunk that Aston claims there is about 1.7 litres in the tank before thr 0.3 got removed for sampling. They claim there is an issue with the pump not allowing them to extract it. The car in question is still under lock and key at the ring while they appeal so the amount of fuel in the car is still viable.

[caiocesarperes]

That thumbnail with Seb's "OH NO" is gold, but sad in the same way because of his disqualification

[mordecai]

I think 1L is so they have enough to run how ever many test they need, now or years after the fact.

[thesighbored]

Sad to see Vettel robbed of a great race performance and result.

If a driver pushes the car too much during the race, somehow ends up burning ALL the fuel on-board and engine cuts out before the race ends. Is the driver considered disqualified (DQ), or considered did not finish (DNF), since, according to the rules, they must extract 1L of fuel from the car for testing? 😕

[bhaskard]

Well...A rule is a rule, only way out of this for Aston Martin is if they manage to provide the 1 liter fuel somehow.

[U_C_G]

WTF1: Explains the logic in not burning a huge amount of fuel for the sake of sport

Also WTF1: So anyway we have some NFT's for an online car livery...

[adamix]

You have something called "lifter pump" in the main fuel tank- if that breaks you will not be able to get fuel to the test- and possibly that is what happened to AM

[KimiButNoDrink]

I have one question for Juan. Just a hypothetical one, Juan. As the wonder kid, the rising No.1, Juan, one wonders should Juan only win one in one year, would Juan want to have won that one in round one, Juan?

[denegra]

I remember hearing that the team's computers said that Seb's car had 1.3 liters of fuel left in it. So either their diagnostics are off or they just need to find that fuel in the car. I believe they are protesting the decision and if they can get the 1 liter, it will be overturned.

[GuerrillaSauce]

I don't believe Seb gained any advantage through this "technical fault", and It's a massive shame he's taken such a massive penalty from the team not being able to meet the requirements... But the rules are the rules and you absolutely cannot be making exceptions if you want to be taken seriously. 😥

[dontaskme]

The 1 ltr is probably so they slightly overfill it and it prevents half the field failing to finish due to running out of fuel... By every car being equally overfilled to the minimum limit plus 1 ltr it's then the same as them all fueling exactly to the minimum limit, but without the risk of a car suddenly slowing (running out of fuel) without warning on a fast straight and being hit from behind by the car at full speed with a draft and DRS.

[edgz]

Gotta love that when you say "Strangers things have happened" you put up Pastor Maldonado winning the Spanish GP looool

[Rakettivuori]

It's actually interesting that you used that Maldonado photo, as he started from pole because of this rule and Hamilton getting DSQ

[fabriciogwoszdz]

"stranger things have happened" - (Maldonado in the back)..
Love it!