Racing oil temperatures

Formula 1 racing engines operate with oil temperatures exceeding 150°C (302°F), nearly hot enough to boil water, compared to about 100°C in regular cars. At these extreme temperatures, conventional oils would break down within minutes, turning into sludge and destroying the engine. Racing oils use specially designed synthetic molecules and exotic additives containing metals like molybdenum to survive these conditions for the duration of a race. A single Formula 1 engine oil change costs more than most people spend on car maintenance in a year, but it protects components spinning at over 15,000 RPM.