Fuel Saving

Fuel saving in motorsport refers to the deliberate strategies and driving techniques used by race teams and drivers to reduce fuel consumption during a race, allowing them to complete the distance with fewer pit stops or to meet strict fuel regulations.

In racing, every pit stop costs valuable time, often 20 to 30 seconds or more depending on the series. By using less fuel, a driver might be able to complete a race with one fewer stop than their competitors, potentially gaining enough time to move up several positions. This makes fuel saving a crucial racing strategy, not just a matter of efficiency.

The most common fuel-saving technique is called "lift-and-coast." This means the driver lifts their foot off the throttle (the gas pedal) earlier than usual before reaching a corner. Instead of staying on the power until the last moment, they let the car coast for a short distance, using wind resistance and engine braking to slow down naturally. While this might cost a few tenths of a second per lap, it can save enough fuel over a full race to skip an entire pit stop.

Another popular method is "short shifting," where drivers change to a higher gear at lower engine speeds than they normally would. This keeps the engine from revving as high, which reduces power but also burns less fuel. Drivers might shift at 10,000 RPM instead of 12,000 RPM, for example, sacrificing some acceleration to conserve fuel.

Modern race cars also have adjustable engine modes that drivers can switch between using buttons on their steering wheel. A "fuel save" mode might reduce engine power by 5-10%, making the car slightly slower but significantly more efficient. Teams communicate with drivers via radio throughout the race, advising when to save fuel and when to push at full power.

In Formula 1, fuel saving became especially important after 2014 when regulations limited cars to 100 kilograms of fuel per race with strict fuel flow restrictions. Drivers must carefully manage their fuel load throughout the entire race distance. The sport's hybrid energy recovery systems help by capturing energy during braking and reusing it for acceleration, improving overall efficiency.

NASCAR drivers also employ fuel conservation, particularly on road courses or when trying to "stretch" their fuel to the end of a race. A famous example occurred when drivers have won races by coasting through the final laps while their competitors ran out of fuel and had to pit.

Endurance racing series like the 24 Hours of Le Mans place enormous emphasis on fuel efficiency. With races lasting many hours, even small improvements in fuel consumption can mean several fewer pit stops over the race distance, providing a significant competitive advantage.

The main drawback of fuel saving is that it makes the car slower. Drivers must balance the time lost driving slower against the time saved by making fewer pit stops. Sometimes a driver saving fuel will be overtaken by competitors running at full speed, but if those competitors need an extra pit stop later, the fuel-saving driver may ultimately finish ahead.