Formula 1 rides the wave of innovation – how can race teams manage water better?

In the world of Formula 1 , every gram of a car's weight, every split second and every drop of fuel is worth its weight in gold. But there is another resource that often escapes attention - water. While it may seem that motorsport is not a big consumer of it, the reality is different. From cooling wind tunnels to washing tracks, water is the unsung hero of racing. In the age of climate crisis, the question is: can F1 lead in water management as it strives for carbon neutrality?

Water in F1 – an invisible resource, crucial for operation

Fans see the spectacle – cars racing at over 300 km/h, engineers hunched over screens in the garages, gleaming paddocks and the teams’ state-of-the-art factory centres. But few consider how much water it takes to make this world work.

On the track: not just rainy GPs

Racetracks require significant amounts of water, especially in hot regions of the world. Asphalt must be cleaned and the surface sprinkled in some places to minimize dust and improve traction. High temperatures also mean that sports facilities need cooling systems that use hundreds of thousands of liters of water per year.

Some venues are already taking steps to save water. For example, the Circuit de Barcelona- Catalunya has implemented a rainwater harvesting system that reduces the amount of water drawn from external sources. Similar solutions are used in Abu Dhabi and Silverstone , where rainwater is used to irrigate green areas around the track.

In factories: water as a tool for innovation

A less obvious but equally important place where water is used is in the teams’ technology centres. Making cars, testing aerodynamics in wind tunnels and washing precision components all require huge amounts of water. The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team implemented a water recycling system at its Brackley plant , reducing consumption by 40% over several years.

Some teams are also experimenting with alternative cooling methods, eliminating the need to use water where possible. This could become a key part of F1’s sustainability strategy in the future.

How can teams reduce water use?

The automotive and aviation industries are already implementing solutions that minimize water consumption. Formula 1 could draw on this experience to become a model for the entire world of sports.

1. Closed water cycles and recycling

Water reuse systems could become standard in wind tunnels and when washing car parts. Red Bull Racing and Ferrari are already conducting tests to minimize water loss in their factories.

2. Intelligent water management systems

IoT (Internet of Things ) technologies allow for monitoring and automatically regulating water consumption in real time. Implementing such systems in the teams’ R&D centers could significantly reduce their water footprint.

3. Inspiration from other motor sports

Extreme E, the electric SUV racing series, has been eco-conscious from the start, using mobile water purification units to eliminate dependence on local infrastructure at race locations. Could F1 follow suit?

4. Water usage audits and staff education

Regular water usage audits can identify areas for improvement. Educating staff about water conservation and implementing simple procedures, such as quick leak repairs or optimizing cleaning processes, can yield significant savings.

5. Use of modern water treatment technologies

Investments in advanced water treatment and purification systems allow for its multiple use in industrial processes. Technologies such as reverse osmosis or ultrafiltration can be used in F1 team factories, minimizing fresh water consumption.

Should Formula 1 introduce water management regulations?

Although Formula 1 has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, the topic of water does not appear in the FIA's environmental strategies. Maybe it is worth changing that?

1. Mandatory reporting of water consumption

Introducing a standard for teams and race organizers to report water usage could be the first step towards real change. For example, the Singapore Grand Prix organizers are already conducting detailed energy usage analyses – why not add water to the mix?

2. Ecological certification of racetracks

Tracks could receive special awards for implementing innovative water management systems. This would not only improve their image, but also encourage other facilities to invest in sustainable technologies.

3. Incentives for teams implementing cost-effective solutions

Similar to sustainable fuel, F1 could create a system of incentives for teams that reduce water usage in their factories and on the track. Maybe extra championship points for the greenest teams?

Water – a new priority for motorsport?

Formula 1 has always been a place of innovation. It was here that the technologies that would later find their way into road cars were born – from hybrid powertrains to advanced aerodynamics. Maybe it’s time for F1 to become a pioneer in water management too?

The world of sport is increasingly looking at the environmental impact of its activities. If Formula 1 wants to remain a leader in innovation, it should start taking water as seriously as it does CO? emissions. Because who knows – maybe one day the race for the future of motorsport will be fought not just for seconds, but for every drop of water.