F1 has announced it plans to reach ‘net zero carbon’ by 2030, and make its events fully sustainable by 2025.
What does this mean for the sport? Could the electric F1 car be on its way? Judging by the comments so far, not yet. The key word here is net. There’s talk of using hybrid systems, advanced sustainable fuels and energy recovery systems to reduce the sport’s carbon footprint.
“‘With over one billion of the 1.1 billion vehicles in the world powered by internal combustion engines, it has the potential to reduce carbon emissions globally,” said Chase Carey, CEO of Formula 1. “Few people know that the current F1 hybrid power unit is the most efficient in the world, delivering more power using less fuel, and hence CO2, than any other car.
“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 that hugely reduces carbon emissions around the world.”
F1 also plans to adapt the rest of its operation towards the goal of net carbon neutrality. This includes the most efficient logistics possible, plus using offices, facilities and factories that are 100 percent renewably powered.
2025 – sustainable F1 events
F1 wants its events to be sustainable by 2025, which means using sustainable materials at events, and recycling or composting all waste. It also wants to incentivise fans to travel to F1 using greener means.
“In launching F1’s first-ever sustainability strategy, we recognise the critical role that all organisations must play in tackling this global issue,” Carey continued.
“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. The actions we are putting in place from today will reduce our carbon footprint and ensure we are net zero carbon by 2030.”