Formula 1’s return to the United States has been overshadowed by a legal dispute involving the company supplying a key technical component to every team on the grid. British manufacturer Sentronics Holdings Ltd. has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against German rival Allengra GmbH in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas ahead of the 2026 United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin.
Sentronics previously served as the FIA’s exclusive fuel-flow meter supplier from 2018 through 2025. Allengra replaced the company for the 2026–2030 contract, and its fuel-flow meters are now used by every F1 team.
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The lawsuit alleges that Allengra’s devices use technology protected by Sentronics’ U.S. Patent No. 11,391,609. According to court records, the complaint was filed on October 16.
All We Know About Sentronics’ Lawsuit Against Allengra
According to Planet F1 journalist Thomas Maher, the dispute centers on the technology used to measure the flow of fuel through a system. Sentronics’ patent, issued in July 2022, describes a fuel-flow measurement method that uses phase-modulated ultrasonic signals traveling in opposite directions through a fluid path.
Sentronics alleges that Allengra’s fuel-flow meters use the same patented methodology. According to the complaint, Sentronics conducted laboratory testing in late 2024 that it says confirmed the use of the technology in Allengra’s devices.
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Sentronics also claims that it shared proprietary technical information with the FIA under confidentiality arrangements. The company alleges that Allengra has infringed its patent by making, using, selling, or importing the devices, as well as by supplying them for use by F1 teams and other racing organizations in the United States.
These claims have not been proven in court, and the lawsuit itself does not establish that Allengra infringed the patent.
The legal action follows the FIA’s decision to award Allengra the fuel-flow meter supply contract for the 2026–2030 period in November 2024. Both companies had applied for the contract after the governing body opened the tender process in 2023.
Will the Lawsuit Affect the F1 United States GP?
The case is not expected to affect the United States Grand Prix this weekend. Sentronics is seeking a permanent injunction against Allengra’s alleged infringement, alongside financial compensation, but PlanetF1 reported that the company is not currently seeking an emergency temporary restraining order that could immediately disrupt the supply of the devices.
As things stand, Allengra’s fuel-flow meters are expected to remain on the cars for the Austin race.
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The longer-term consequences could be more significant. Sentronics is seeking compensation for lost profits and royalties dating back to the patent’s issuance. It is also asking for a jury trial and seeking up to three times the damages awarded if willful infringement is established.
The complaint argues that Allengra continued using the technology despite being notified of the patent dispute. Sentronics says it issued a formal notice concerning a European counterpart patent in August 2025 and sent a further demand letter in April 2026. Allengra has disputed the allegations.
The FIA has also been made aware of the potential dispute, and the governing body acknowledged receiving notification in September 2025.
The lawsuit could ultimately affect the suppliers’ future commercial relationship or result in a settlement. For now, however, the immediate focus remains on the court proceedings rather than any change to the technical equipment used at the United States Grand Prix.
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