"New Mercedes fuel formula delivered 18 HP extra in Hungary"
Rumors
Mercedes received an 18 HP bonus during the Hungarian Grand Prix after (according to rumours) Petronas created a new fuel formula for the F1 world championship leaders to use. The 18 horsepower boost was certainly helpful for Lewis Hamilton who managed to use new medium tyres to catch up with Max Verstappen and win the race.
The new fuel, according to reports from the Italian branch of motorsport.com is a result of a collaboration between Petronas and a small German laboratory. The mix is within the guidelines of the FIA and ensures more energy is obtained from the fuel without increasing consumptions.
This advantage could also mean the Silver Arrows can afford to start with less fuel on board. This is expected to improve their performance early on. It wasn't all smooth running for Mercedes and their engine during the weekend. In FP1, Valtteri Bottas had an engine misfire and was forced to change their PU.
Motorsport.com also reports that the new fuel is an answer to the advantage Ferrari found with their supplier, Shell. This was used for the first time during the German Grand Prix.