Motorsport’s global governing body, the FIA, has embarked on an ambitious scheme to become carbon neutral during 2021.
It follows the approval of a new environmental strategy, with the organisation wanting to achieve ‘net zero status’ by 2030. Leading the FIA’s Environment and Sustainability Commission is Felipe Calderón, the former President of Mexico.
Changes to Formula 1 will be part of the process, with the current roster of drivers drafted in to help promote the strategy.
Reducing the environmental impact of motorsport
One of the headline-grabbing developments is research on 100% sustainable fuels for F1. Created from refined bio-waste, not intended for human or animal consumption, the first sample barrels have been provided to F1 engine manufacturers.
By proving the samples work, the FIA hopes this will lead to F1 engine suppliers producing their own bio-waste fuels. Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Ferrari, and Renault have all been provided with samples to test.
When new powertrain rules are introduced to F1, the use of sustainable fuel will become mandatory.
Other FIA-sanctioned competitions, like the European Truck Racing Championship, will also be able to use sustainable fuels from 2021.
Next-generation advancements
Central to the carbon neutrality plan will be working with the 243 FIA-member motorsport clubs across the globe. The FIA runs an Environmental Accreditation Programme, allowing clubs to rate their eco credentials for the championships they manage.
Earlier this year, the Formula 1 World Championship gained the maximum three-star environmental accreditation. The electric Formula E series received the same top rating in 2018.
Ross Brawn, Formula 1’s Managing Director of Motorsports, commented: “Formula 1 has long served as a platform for introducing next generation advancements in the automotive world. We are delighted by the momentum on sustainable fuels which perfectly aligns with our plan to be net zero carbon as a sport by 2030.”
To promote the new environmental strategy, the FIA has produced a video featuring current F1 stars.
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