Formula 1 has promised to reduces its carbon emissions to “net zero” by 2030.
As part of its plan to achieve this, the series has promised to “eliminate the carbon footprint of the F1 car and the on-track activities”. It intends to do this partly through a radical development of its engine format to create a hybrid powertrain with “net zero” carbon emissions.
Formula 1 chairman and CEO said Chase Carey said the efficiency of F1’s current V6 hybrid turbo engines has already demonstrated what the sport is capable of.
“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.”
No area of the sport will be untouched by its goal to slash carbon emissions.
With over 20 races per year, and a record 22 on the 2020 F1 calendar, a significant amount of the emissions generated by the sport comes from air travel. The championship says it will “move to ultra-efficient logistics and travel”, while the permanent facilities associated with the sport will be fully powered by renewable sources.
By 2025 the sport intends all its events to be made “sustainable”. Single-use plastics will be replaced with sustainable equivalents, and all waste will be re-used or recycled. Fans will be offered “a greener way to reach the race”.
F1 has spent the last 12 months developing a plan to hit its target of nullifying its emissions by 2030. It has been done in consultation with the teams, race promoters and other partners, plus the FIA and experts in sustainability. The first steps towards hitting the goal with be taken “immediately”, it says.
Carey said this is the first time the sport has had a “sustainability strategy”.
“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,” he said. “The actions we are putting in place from today will reduce our carbon footprint and ensure we are net zero carbon by 2030.”
FIA president Jean Todt said the proposal was “not only very encouraging for the future of motorsport, but it could also have strong benefits for society as a whole.”
“In 2014 we introduced the hybrid power unit in Formula 1, which was essential for the development of motorsport highest category,” he said. “It is the same reason that led us to maintain this philosophy within the framework of the Formula 1 regulations applicable from 2021.
“With the involvement of the teams, drivers, F1’s numerous stakeholders, and crucially the millions of fans around the world, the FIA and Formula 1 are committed to driving development and ensuring motorsport grows as a laboratory for environmentally beneficial innovations.”
