Archive · 5 Aug 2026
BJP's Formula 1 ethanol defence for E20 called faulty comparison
The Bharatiya Janata Party, which helps run the government in India, said that Formula 1 racing cars use ethanol fuel, so regular cars in India should use it too.
Many car experts and people online said this is not a fair comparison.
Formula 1 cars are built only to go as fast as possible on a race track, while regular cars are built to be safe and comfortable for everyday driving.
Actually, Formula 1 cars did use fuel with 10% ethanol from 2022 to 2025.
Starting in 2026, the race series is moving to special sustainable fuels made from waste, plants, or air.
Even Formula 1 says it does not know if these new fuels provide as much power as regular fuel.
A car expert said ethanol helps performance only if the engine is designed for it.
People joked online by comparing normal cars to Ferrari racing cars.
Some car companies worried that the new E20 fuel could damage engine parts, but they later took back that statement.
Still, the car industry says it fully supports the government's plan to use ethanol.
The ruling BJP posted on X that ethanol-based fuel is used in Formula One because of its higher octane number, citing better combustion, faster acceleration and improved anti-knocking performance.
Experts and social media users called the comparison faulty, saying F1 cars are hyper-engineered racing prototypes built for speed and track performance, unlike standard passenger vehicles.
According to the F1 official website, F1 cars ran on 10% ethanol-blended fuel from 2022 through 2025 and transitioned to Advanced Sustainable Fuels in 2026.
Autocar India editor Hormazd Sorabjee said E20 benefits depend on engine design, as high-octane engines see a difference while lower-octane engines do not.
Automakers' association SIAM retracted a statement linking component corrosion to chloride and moisture content in E20 petrol, later saying the auto industry fully supports the government's ethanol blending program.
- Who
- The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, social media users, experts including Autocar India editor Hormazd Sorabjee, and automakers' association SIAM.
- What
- The BJP cited Formula 1's use of ethanol-based fuel to defend India's E20 ethanol-blending program, but experts and social media users flagged the comparison as faulty.
- When
- The BJP posted on Tuesday; F1 ran on 10% ethanol-blended fuel from 2022 through 2025 and switched to Advanced Sustainable Fuels in 2026.
- Where
- India, in a debate referencing the global Formula 1 racing series.
- Why
- Because the Modi government is making E20 petrol mandatory, citing energy security, better performance and a cleaner future.
Government and BJP view
Experts and critics
Formula 1 comparison for ethanol
Government and BJP view
Ethanol-based fuel is used in Formula One due to its higher octane number, producing better combustion, faster acceleration and improved anti-knocking performance, supporting India's adoption of E20.
Experts and critics
The comparison is faulty: F1 cars are hyper-engineered racing prototypes built solely for speed and track performance, unlike road cars built for safety, durability, comfort and daily utility.
E20 fuel performance
Government and BJP view
E20 fuel ensures better acceleration and pickup and offers higher energy output.
Experts and critics
Benefits depend on engine design: high-octane engines see a difference while lower-octane engines do not, and F1 itself has not claimed sustainable fuels match fossil fuel power.
E20 component concerns
Government and BJP view
The auto industry fully supports the government's ethanol blending program.
Experts and critics
SIAM initially linked component corrosion and wear to higher chloride and moisture content in E20 petrol before retracting, saying the figures needed broader authentication.
- Fuel in dispute
- E20 petrol, an ethanol-blended fuel
- F1 ethanol blend (2022-2025)
- 10% ethanol-blended fuel
- F1 fuel from 2026
- Advanced Sustainable Fuels
- F1 sustainability goal
- Net Zero Carbon by 2030
- F1 engine compression cap
- 16:1
- F1 engine replacement cycle
- Every 6-8 races
- Key expert cited
- Hormazd Sorabjee, editor, Autocar India
- Automakers' body
- SIAM, which retracted and clarified its E20 statement