Honda’s upgraded F1 power unit for 2021 boosted by new fuel

A new fuel developed by Red Bull supplier ExxonMobil is expected to provide Honda’s upgraded power unit for the 2021 Formula 1 season with additional performance and reliability.

Produced as part of a collaboration project with Honda, Red Bull says the new ‘Synergy Race Fuel’ is focused on delivering “improved power, performance and protection” throughout the upcoming campaign.

There is an added onus on reliability in 2021 given that F1 about to embark on its longest-ever season consisting of 23 races. As a result, ExxonMobil has dedicated its sole permitted fuel specification for the year on developing a new formula in a bid to enhance performance.

"Building on last year’s successes of zero engine penalties, this upgrade underlines our relentless pursuit of performance and reliability for Max and Checo this season,” said ExxonMobil chief Tomek Young.

“The racetrack is the ultimate proving ground and as part of the technical partnership with Red Bull Racing Honda, we want to continue to deliver performance enhancing technology, wherever we can.

“I have no doubt that the Esso Synergy Race Fuel will continue to contribute to Red Bull Racing Honda’s successes on track, in what promises to be an exciting season for the team.”

Honda has fast-tracked its planned power unit upgrade by a year in its efforts to help Red Bull win its first world championship title since 2013 before the Japanese manufacturer bows out of F1 at the end of the season.

“Fuel is a hugely important component and the right formulation has the potential to not only add raw power and increase efficiency but also to offer a manufacturer more diverse paths of development that help them optimise performance,” explained Red Bull technical director Pierre Wache.

“The close working relationship between ExxonMobil, Honda and the Team has brought those advantages to RB16B and we are looking forward to seeing the results during this season.”

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner added: “Winning in Formula 1 comes as a result of an incredibly intricate process whereby competitive advantage is assembled from a huge variety of elements, all the way from aerodynamics through to horsepower and creating the optimum fuel for the power unit.

"Over the past year ExxonMobil’s specialists have worked closely with our engineers and those at Honda to give us a fuel that works in harmony with our new power unit and the RB16B.

“Each element is a hugely valuable weapon in the team’s arsenal as we go into the fight for this year's Formula 1 World Championship.”