Shell brings a new engine oil to Ferrari F1
Ferrari is clearly behind Mercedes from a power unit performance standpoint. Therefore, all modifiable elements are welcome. This is how the Scuderia hopes to turn things around with a new engine oil supplied by Shell.
The particularity of the oil offered by Shell to Ferrari is that it does not come from oil, as is usually the case, but is a derivative of natural gas. The advantage of this technology is that it allows the oil to be completely transparent and free from the impurities present in oil. This therefore enhances the efficiency of this oil, both in terms of performance and engine protection.
This aspect is essential as F1 engine oil must be effective in extreme conditions, as explained by Ian Albiston, Shell’s operations manager at Ferrari: The F14 T engine has more than 600hp and the turbo, which spins at more than 2,000 revolutions per second, can operate at more than 1,000°C. The new oil must therefore withstand these conditions while providing a level of protection capable of enduring the 4,000 kilometers that engines are now required to perform, since only five engines per driver are allowed during the season. With such temperatures and the very demanding environment of an F1 engine, the right engine oil can be a crucial advantage.
As proof that obtaining such oil was not easy, Shell has been working on the project since the new technical regulations were formalized, more than three years ago. This was made all the more necessary as drivers can no longer carry more than 100 kilograms of fuel per race, making energy efficiency all the more crucial.
Mark Wakem, the head of oil development for F1 engines at Shell, stated: « Shell Helix Ultra for Scuderia Ferrari is designed and developed to enhance engine power and efficiency by reducing internal losses. When the lubricant protects and separates different surfaces, it reduces friction. Therefore, more power remains to be transferred from the fuel to the wheels for optimized performance. »
The Anglo-Dutch company also takes this opportunity to emphasize that the oil supplied to the Scuderia is a derivative of the PurePlus Technology that it offers to drivers worldwide for their everyday vehicles.
We will see if this allows Fernando Alonso and Kimi Räikkönen to get closer to the top from the Singapore Grand Prix.
With the participation of www.Racingbusiness.fr
