2:00 pm at the racetrack. The sun blazes down, casting long shadows over the asphalt. The air is electric with the roar of engines and the exhilarated cheers of the crowd, with anticipation buzzing as the race is about to begin.
Amidst this symphony of speed and excitement, two young men in crisp white shirts adorned with a myriad of logos navigate the bustling garage with practiced ease. Large headphones hug their heads, blocking out the cacophony as they carefully carry a few bottles containing fluid samples from the winning cars. They head to the trackside laboratory in one corner of the garage, where their work matters most.
In the fast-paced world of Formula One where split milliseconds define success, the role of trackside engineers has never been more crucial. Among these unsung heroes are Wan Mohd Saifullah Wan Saudi and Emil Bernsten, two PETRONAS Trackside Fluid Engineers (PTFE), whose journey from diverse backgrounds to the most prestigious motorsport track exemplifies the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
Two young Malaysians, the unsung heroes of Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team
PETRONAS and the Mercedes-AMG Formula One (F1) Team's partnership has been truly transformative. PETRONAS has not only served as the team's Title and Technical Partner but has also played a pivotal role in developing cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions. The successful history of this partnership is evidenced by the integration of PETRONAS Fluid Technology Solutions™️ with Mercedes-Benz's Formula One engine, a collaboration that has fortified the team with eight world championships since 2010.
The drivers, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, along with Toto Wolff,
Team Principal and CEO of Mercedes-AMG with the winning car.
The Fundamental Role of Trackside Fluid Engineers
Saifullah, with a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, accumulated a decade of invaluable experience as an Instrument and Control Engineer in Miri and Bintulu, Sarawak. In this role, he was passionate about a software programme he developed from scratch, incorporating vast amounts of data to enhance his team's efficiency. He also brought with him an affinity for entrepreneurship from college, along with early work experience in telecommunications, to motorsport in May 2023. Given his background and experience, Saifullah’s journey is fueled by his passion for data science and its capacity to drive significant transformations in the field of Formula One.
On the other hand, Emil, a Chemical Engineering graduate, served as a Global Approval Specialist when he first joined PLI in Turin, Italy, in 2020. He was responsible for ensuring PETRONAS fluids are compliant with regulatory standards and requirements for different countries. His fascination with energy solutions and renewables during high school eventually led him to the world of motorsport. Although it may seem unrelated, the world of motorsport is deeply connected to high-performance technology, and with Formula 1's recent shift towards sustainable fuel, it is now closely tied to renewable energy solutions. Emil is grateful that his fascination led him to the right place.
Since May 2022, Emil has been an integral part of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 team, leveraging every visit to the paddock as an opportunity for growth. His experiences from attending many races now have honed his instincts, expanded his technical knowledge, and deepened his understanding of the intricacies of Formula 1. He recalls underestimating the timeline for maintenance and equipment delivery during one of his first races, but the team’s growth mindset and refusal to play the blame game empowered him and taught him valuable lessons in resilience and overcoming setbacks.
Saifullah added that being immersed in a totally different culture and work environment has been enlightening. He appreciates the experience and hopes to apply the positive aspects of the team’s growth mindset, accountability, and resilience to enrich his journey at PETRONAS.
As PETRONAS Trackside Fluid Engineers, Saifullah and Emil provide technical support and conduct chemical analysis of the fuel and lubricants used by the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team. They gather about 150 samples before and after every race, which they then analyse in the laboratory using three essential pieces of equipment: gas chromatograph, a viscometer, and a spectrometer. Gas chromatography shows the presence and composition of specific carbon substances, while the viscometer helps determine viscosity, and the spectrometer aids in identifying elemental composition.
Saifullah, Emil, and Toto and Lewis at the PETRONAS Trackside Fluid Lab.
The comprehensive analysis is important for the team to comply with the rules set by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), in addition to ensuring that the results are accurate which can contribute to the performance of the F1 racing car engine at an optimal level at each training session, qualification and race day.
"If the analysis results are delayed and potential wear of car components is detected, the other engineering teams won't be able to replace the damaged items on time, affecting the F1 car's performance on race day," Saifullah explained.
Emil added that before every race, they, alongside the fuel team at PETRONAS, conduct a comprehensive analysis involving PETRONAS Primax fuel, PETRONAS Syntium lubricant, PETRONAS Tutela transmission oil, PETRONAS Tutela hydraulic oil, and PETRONAS Tutela energy recovery system cooling.
Once-in-a-lifetime experience, Saifullah and Emil are proud to be part of the team.
Beyond the Team, Fluids and Laboratory
Many may not be aware that these two PTFEs don’t just monitor the fluids of the sponsored team, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 team. PETRONAS fluids and its laboratory also play a crucial role in powering engines across four teams on the Formula 1 track, including McLaren, Aston Martin, and Williams.
Emil in action assisting with the drivers' pitboards.
What's even more interesting is that during the actual race, when no samples are coming in, Saifullah and Emil volunteer for other on-track duties to support the team. They assist with the drivers’ pitboards during sessions as well as team pit stop practice, ensuring safety protocols are followed. They also assist with tire changes, demonstrating their dedication to the team's success.
Saifullah, who enjoys pit stop practise sessions.
Additionally, their roles extend beyond the track. Between races in different countries, they manage equipment logistics, engage in detailed planning and coordination, prepare for the next race, and take the initiative to improve lab services by exploring better and advanced equipment and data science technologies.
As part of the team, the trackside fluid engineers are required to be at 24 races around the world each year. While it's mind-expanding to find themselves in different cities every two weeks for work, this also means their lives are very fast paced. However, they make sure to create and find joy in balancing their professional and personal lives. When not on track, Saifullah, based in Kuala Lumpur and married with children, loves spending quality time with his family and reading. For Emil, who is based in Italy, playing golf is his favourite hobby. During holidays, he often leaves Italy to spend time with his family and friends in Malaysia, where he grew up.
Saifullah and Emil share a common goal: to be exemplary ambassadors for PETRONAS and Malaysians in driving innovation towards sustainability in the Formula 1 sport. Their involvement with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 team has not only enhanced their appreciation for PETRONAS products but also propelled them to the forefront of sustainable fuel technology.
Both engineers are immensely proud and grateful to be part of such a prestigious sport. They understand that their contributions extend far beyond the racetrack, creating a ripple effect that impacts individuals, teams, and nations globally.
“There's no other sport that has the tendency for technological improvement, the ability to solve world problems with sustainable solutions, and the capacity to contribute billions of dollars to economic growth worldwide,” said Saifullah.
The Race to 100% Sustainable Fuel Technology
In the joy of celebrating PETRONAS' 50th Anniversary and its journey towards the Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050 (NZCE 2050) aspiration, Saifullah and Emil are looking forward into the future. With the 2026 Formula 1 regulations aiming for sustainable fuel, to be in the game now means accelerating our journey to sustainability by developing a fuel that is not only sustainable but also capable of winning races. The innovations from this sustainable fuel development will extend beyond the track, benefiting the wider customer base of PETRONAS and Mercedes. That is why this partnership is even more important now.
Currently, the team is using 10% biofuel in their racing cars. On the road, Mercedes-AMG Formula One’s fleet travelled to nine races across Europe last year, powered by biofuel or HVO100, which recorded emissions reduction by 67% and savings of 339 tCO2e. It exceeded the team’s initial targets of 60% emissions reduction and 200 tCO2e saved across the season. This year, the fleet will once again refuel with HVO100, with each truck covering between 9,000 to 10,000 kilometres during the European season, saving an estimated 90% of CO2e for every kilometre covered. Advancing its biofuel agenda, PETRONAS is on track to open its first biorefinery in Pengerang, Johor. This facility will significantly boost the production of biofuels, further reinforcing the company’s commitment to cleaner energy innovation.
As Emil aptly put it "In the future of Formula One, big changes are underway. It's not just about speed anymore; it's about which team has the most competitive sustainable fuel. It's a whole new ball game, where victory means leading the way to a cleaner future."
Continuing a challenging journey toward 100 per cent sustainable fuel by 2026.
Split-millisecond success in Formula One hinges on many teams and individuals, and engineers like Wan Mohd Saifullah Wan Saudi and Emil Bernsten are among them. For those interested and who may have the opportunity to join the F1 team, their advice is to stay agile, enjoy the fast pace, and maintain a sense of calm while embracing challenges and learning from every experience. As they continue their journey, they not only embody the values of PETRONAS on the world stage but also inspire future generations to aim high and make a big impact.
