Oil analysis in Formula 1

Analysis of the lubricant in service is common practice in the Renault- Elf F1 team for many years and can make the difference between victory or retirement from the race.

The knowledge of the mechanical condition of the engine before the start of a race is of capital importance: if the engine fails, a possible victory and championship chances will be lost.

However , the FIA rules only allow an engine change every 2 races. A premature engine change will make the car and  driver loose 10 places on the starting grid, and therefore all chances of success in the race.

In order to make these vital decisions, the Elf and Renault engineers analyze oil samples of the Renault engine during development in the Viry-Châtillon Renault F1 development centre, during free practice sessions and between every run of the car at the race weekend.  The samples are analyzed in the mobile Elf lab unit equipped with spectrometers measuring the metallic concentrations in the oil, generated by engine wear. The diagnosis based on these concentration help the engineers to decide to replace the engine or keep it in use.