F1 announces net-zero carbon plan for 2030

November 15, 2019

Environment / Sport /

Formula 1® has announced an ambitious sustainability plan to introduce a net-zero carbon footprint for its activities by 2030.

The sport’s first ever sustainability plan will include all Formula 1® cars; all on-track activity; air transport of staff, drivers and equipment as well as the rest of the operations as a sport.

The plan comes after 12 months of intense work with international motor sport governing body the FIA, sustainability experts, Formula 1® teams, promoters and partners.

With the sport having been at the forefront of technological innovation throughout its history, the “ambitious, yet achievable delivery plan” will use F1’s global platform to accelerate progress and develop technologies that reduce and eliminates carbon emissions from the current internal combustion engine (ICE).

The hybrid power unit, which delivers more power using less fuel than any other car, combined with advanced sustainable fuels and energy recovery systems presents a tremendous opportunity to deliver a net-zero carbon hybrid power unit.

The sport, which will have a record 22 Grand Prix next year with the 10 teams flown around the world, said carbon reduction projects would start immediately.

Promising that all Formula 1 events would be sustainable by 2025, F1 Chairman Chase Carey advised “we recognise the critical role that all organisations must play in tackling this global issue.

“By leveraging the immense talent, passion and drive for innovation held by all members of the F1 community, we hope to make a significant positive impact on the environment and communities in which we operate.”

Carey said the current V6 turbo hybrid power engines, in use since 2014, were the most efficient in the world and delivered more power from less fuel than any other car.

He added “we believe F1 can continue to be a leader for the auto industry and work with the energy and automotive sector to deliver the world’s first net zero-carbon hybrid internal combustion engine.”

Other initiatives such as moving to ultra-efficient logistics and 100% renewable powered offices, facilities and factories have also been targeted.

F1 also said sustainable materials will be used at all events, with all waste reused or recycled, and single-use plastics would be barred while it plans to develop greener transport options for fans attending races.

With over 1 billion of the 1.1 billion vehicles in the world powered by ICEs, F1 sees that is it can lead in reducing carbon emissions globally.

Delivering the plan will involve F1® working with the FIA and all of its partners, promoters, sponsors and the teams and building on the work that many of them are already delivering on the sustainability issue.

Images: Race action from the 2018 Singapore F1 Grand Prix (top, courtesy of Singapore GP Pte. Ltd) and Chase Carey (below, courtesy of Lorenzo De Leonardis via Wikicommons).

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