The Race to Ace - Sustainability at F1 // Part 2

So, we, Neeti Mahajan and Vedanta Alkari, are back with our second part of this series on Formula One, and a lot has gone by in the past week. The Italian Grand Prix recently concluded and gave us plenty of reasons to be excited about. We witnessed some close racing, dynamic and bold strategy calls by different teams and a jam-packed stadium beaming with enthusiastic Tifosi’s cheering for their favourite teams. In the end, Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc won his team Ferrari’s home race leaving the spectators euphoric and throwing his hat at the drivers championship and helping his team close the gap in constructors championship too. The reigning world champion Max Verstappen lost out due to lack of speed and performance of his car, settling for a mere 6th position.

While these on-field battles have been getting intense and nail-biting, a lot of pioneering work has been happening behind-the-scenes of F1 to make the sport more reliable, sustainable and accessible to all. It is about everything that happens beyond the circuit, the production of these specialty cars, the transport and shipping of all the personnel associated, other equipment and accessories. It is about the audience who comes to watch live races, it is about everyone who is a part of the F1 without being exactly visible, and the real question is, how can we compensate for and strengthen the Triple Bottom Line that is actually affected?

The Formula One Group has spearheaded actions on numerous fronts and remains committed to achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2030, to leave a legacy of positive change wherever they race and to build a more diverse and inclusive sport. They are aiming to focus on the parameters of plastic and waste, local fan travel, wellbeing and nature, local community, energy and carbon.

For the ease of readers, we have tried to break their actions into groups to appreciate their stellar work so far.

Climate Action

Reducing Direct Emissions

Depending on the location and associated operational requirements, F1 events are powered by energy sources from the grid, temporary generators and on-site renewables – and in many cases, a mixture of all three sources. Formula 1, the F1 Teams, the FIA and other paddock users bring their own on-site generators to support peak energy demands during the event. This process means there is a carbon footprint impact from the logistics to move the generators onto the site, plus the actual fuel usage at the event and therefore our total carbon footprint. To counter this, F1 conducted a pilot project at the Austrian Grand Prix in 2023 where they used a renewably powered centralised system, which not only reduced the carbon footprint at the event but also looked to reduce logistics requirements in future. The energy system was powered by a hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) biofuel and 600m2?of solar panels. These were located on the infield of the final turn and provided an estimated 2.5MWh of energy across the event.

Additionally F1 has announced a multi-year partnership with Aggreko, a world-leading provider of temporary power solutions, to deliver innovative low-carbon energy generation systems at all European Grands Prix from the 2025 season. As part of the deal, Aggreko will become an Official Energy Provider of F1. The pilot in the Austrian Grand Prix reduced associated carbon emissions by >90% within the Paddock, Pit Lane, and broadcast areas compared to the 2022 event. This expanded trial has consistently delivered carbon reductions and from 2025, the system will be used across the European Grand Prix season.

Solar panels have been installed at Paul Ricard (Marseille, France) and the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve (Quebec, Canada) that generate enough energy annually to offset the entire Grand Prix, and the Circuit de Catalunya (Barcelona, Spain) and the Sakhir International Circuit (Bahrain) are 100% renewably powered. Apart from this, F1’s offices are now using 100% renewable energy, with the company and their broadcast operations working to source alternative biofuels to run in their generators where available in markets.

Talking about fuel, is it not the key driver for a motor sport? Even though fuel emissions account for less than 1% of F1’s total carbon footprint, they see this Sustainable Fuel Development as one of the biggest opportunities to have a positive impact on the environment and society. All F1 cars use a specialised fuel that is similar to premium unleaded gasoline but with a higher octane rating. The fuel must meet stringent FIA regulations, which ensure it is made up of bio-components and sustainable elements to reduce its carbon footprint. Interestingly, FIA claims that the hybrid power unit for F1 fuel production is the most efficient in the world - delivering more power using the least amount of fuel than any other road car. The engines of F1 cars as per the Federation, has been recovering over 50% of the energy from the fuel currently used, with innovation and evolution setting the benchmark higher at each step. From 2026 onwards, the FIA has committed to only use 100% sustainable fuels. These will be artificial (synthetic fuels) made from municipal waste or non-food biomass across the operational sites of Formula 1, involving components from approved carbon capture schemes. When compared to fossil fuels, these provide an 85-96% reduction in CO2 emissions. The fuel developed by F1 will be a ‘drop-in’ fuel that can be used in road cars without modification and will serve as a sustainable alternative of global relevance. The fuel used in the engine is created from a combination of non-food bio sources, genuine waste sources, or carbon extracted from the air, which will lead to a dramatic reduction in emissions while delivering the same power. F1 has also introduced its new generation of cars that are running on ‘E10’ fuel – a blend of 90% fuel and 10% renewable ethanol. In collaboration primarily with ARAMCO, and the sport’s other fuel suppliers, there are systems being put in place to enable enough production of the 100% sustainable fuel to power the cars from 2026. FIA is also calling this aptly, ‘the fuel of the future’.

Formula 1 introduced a new truck fleet powered by DHL, Official Logistics Partner, to deliver Formula 1 freight to the European events. To reduce their carbon footprint, these trucks were powered by the second generation biofuel, HVO100 (hydrotreated vegetable oil), which is created from non-fossil fuel sources. These trucks maintained the same level of performance in terms of load capacity and travel distance and were equipped with GPS to monitor fuel consumption and optimise more efficient routes. Following the rollout of the new fleet, the related carbon emissions were reduced by an average of 83%, compared to traditional-fuel driven trucks. The initiative has provided both DHL and F1? with crucial data and information that will help shape the expansion and development of sustainable logistics. In 2023, F1 primarily focussed on the three areas of reduction in the amount of kit and people that travel, changing their primary mode of travel and reducing the distance.

But the people of F1 go way beyond its audience. Logistics and the ones involved form the supply chain. From the manufacturing of racing cars to the live broadcasts of races, every step is an ensemble for the D-day. In 2020, F1 changed the way it broadcasts races by moving to a remote production model, which enabled a reduction in technical cargo being shipped around the world and less staff being sent to every Grand Prix. FIA’s logistics and engineering teams are designing ‘flexible’ shipping containers to allow for more fuel-efficient means of transport such as rail and sea freight, while also transitioning from Boeing 747 aircraft to the more efficient 777. DHL has been a long term logistics partner of F1, and the organisation is urging all its partners to minimise environmental footprint and aim towards being Net Zero.

Embracing Circularity in Operations

Similar to the integration of sustainable fuel to F1 cars, the manufacturing and raw material used for such specialised cars is at the forefront. With the aim of being as lightweight as possible, F1 cars are traditionally made from composites of carbon fibre and similar ultra-lightweight materials - as a first, McLaren Racing’s Formula 1 team tested the use of recycled carbon fibre (rCF) on the McLaren MCL60 at this year’s US Grand Prix, in line with the team’s goal to develop a fully circular F1 car by 2030. For the environment, this meant a 90% reduction in the life cycle emissions versus standard carbon fibre, the equivalent of 27 tonnes of carbon emissions for each tonne of material used. The manufacture of the F1 car is one of the largest contributing factors to F1 teams' overall carbon footprint, and a sustainable raw material can be a definite game changer.

F1 has also been actively working towards water and waste stewardship. An example is the state of Southern Nevada which has been federally declared to be in a state of drought. The LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX and their partners, Southern Nevada Water Authority, MGM Resorts, and WaterStart, installed an atmospheric water generator (AWG) – used around the world today to capture water vapour that would otherwise be considered waste product and return it back into the system – to offset the expected outdoor water usage throughout race weekend.

Sustainable hospitality at Paddock Club and Fan Zone

There is a push to reuse, recycle or repurpose race weekend materials. Many circuits now partner with local food banks and charities to help donate surplus food to those in need in the local community. This is often a group effort supported by hospitality across the event including the F1 teams. For example, over 1.5 tonnes of unused food were donated to 17 charities in the state of Victoria following the cancelled 2020 Australian Grand Prix.

The new sustainable wall concept was introduced this year, starting at the F1 Spanish Grand Prix 2023, and means the walls are now made of reusable textile-based panels, instead of traditional heavy timber walling systems. Panels fit into aluminum frames, which can be reused indefinitely, and the concept gives design flexibility as only canvas needs to be updated in case of damage or new branding.

The internal designs in the Paddock Club also received a sustainable refresh in 2023, with single-use flowers largely replaced with local, reusable succulents and trees to reduce waste and carbon emissions.

A simple change has been reducing single-use plastics inside the paddock and across the circuit venues, with a focus on promoting reusable bottle use and providing plentiful water stations.

Enabling easier commute for its spectators

But the future of the sport is also determined by its people - for a thrilling yet emission intensive sport like F1, like its audience, the motor sport also has to be on the edge of the seat when it comes to environmental regulations - and with every mile, a small step goes a long way. Work is ongoing to deliver greener ways to travel to events. In Zandvoort in The Netherlands, 25,000 fans left their cars behind and used bicycles to get to the track in 2022, while 40,000 used public transport or walked to the venue.

To minimise commuting altogether for its spectators, the F1 studio, which broadcasts to over 180 regions globally, revamped its operations making it the world’s largest intercontinental remote production operation, which is responsible for creating the International Feed, that broadcast partners use to bring the action to fans at home. To provide a live feel to the viewers, they are also trying to develop a virtual set which also reduces carbon emissions by building fewer physical elements, storing less kit, and it requires fewer personnel to travel to fit new sets.

Inclusion at Formula 1

Formula 1 is increasingly prioritising diversity and inclusion with several initiatives aimed at creating a more representative and equitable environment across all aspects of the sport. The "We Race As One" campaign, launched in 2020, focuses on promoting diversity, sustainability, and social responsibility by raising awareness of equality issues and addressing systemic racism. F1 has also established a Diversity and Inclusion Task Force to set measurable goals and implement programs to enhance representation among drivers, engineers, and team personnel. The Hamilton Commission, founded by Lewis Hamilton, aims to identify and dismantle barriers preventing Black people from participating in motorsport in the UK, and its 2021 report offered concrete recommendations to improve access and opportunities. Additionally, F1 has introduced scholarships, paid internships, and grassroots outreach initiatives to attract diverse talent, particularly from underrepresented communities in STEM fields, and supports the W Series, an all-female racing championship that provides exposure and opportunities for women drivers.

Despite these initiatives, F1 faces significant challenges in becoming a truly inclusive sport. Progress has been criticised as slow, with limited change in the representation of minority groups, especially in key roles like drivers, team executives, and technical staff. The sport's high costs create socioeconomic barriers that limit access for many underrepresented communities. Leaders like Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel have been vocal in advocating for racial equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and broader inclusion, while teams such as Mercedes and McLaren have committed to hiring more diverse workforces and promoting inclusive practices.

A Way Forward

Formula 1 and its tryst with Sustainability is nascent yet novel, exciting yet on the edge and significant yet a long road to cover. At the foundation lies its people, from better inclusion to better facilities - F1 is trying and synthesising and we hope we see positive results through every passing racing reason.

Environmental stewardship for a motor sport like F1 is no easy feat, but the FIA has come up with ambitious goals and innovative implementation for all its pilot ideas.

Small steps with consistency are capable enough to change the world - but the ride of F1 is bumpy, risky, and high in adrenaline. In the past two articles, we have covered diverse facets of Formula 1, and we hope you like it - but in the final edition, we bring to you our opinions, ideas and open-ended discussion pointers for the experts and amateurs alike!

For a deep dive, you can refer to the following:

Net Zero Carbon: How Formula 1 is going to meet this ambitious target by 2030 | Formula 1?

McLaren Racing pioneers use of sustainable materials with innovative recycled carbon fibre trial

mclaren-racing-sustainability-report-2022.pdf (bloomreach.io)

Formula-1-2023-Impact-Report.pdf (formula1.com)