Biofuel arrives in F1
In its 2030 goal called "Net Zero," the FIA aims to reduce its carbon emissions. To achieve this, the Formula One Group announces the start of biofuel testing as early as 2021.
Announced last year by the Formula One Group, F1 aims by 2030 to achieve the goal of reducing CO2 emissions in accordance with the Paris climate agreements to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
The first barrels of biofuel developed by the FIA have just been delivered to the teams to allow them to integrate this biofuel into the fuel from their suppliers. Through its statement, F1 specifies that this initiative includes single-seaters, on-track activities, as well as other sport-related operations.
Carbon neutrality starting in 2021
The primary objective of the FIA and FOM jointly to reduce their CO2 emissions is to offset them by purchasing carbon credits. For the year 2019 alone, it is estimated that organizing the championship generated 256,551 tons of CO2 through its various aspects, including 45% from transporting equipment, 28% from personnel travel, 19% from the operation of offices and factories, and less than 1% related to the emissions from F1 engines. The remaining few percent are related to various broadcasting activities, sponsor activities, etc.
Inaugurated in 2014, hybridization is still in its early stages and despite the enthusiasm generated by the return of the V10 in Abu Dhabi, a return to naturally aspirated engines seems highly compromised.
As mentioned by Chase Carey, President of the Formula One Group until January: We believe that F1 can continue to be a leader for the automotive industry and work with the energy and auto sectors to produce the first zero-emission hybrid internal combustion engine.
As shown in this diagram from the FIA presentation, the goal is to offset CO2 emissions less and less by 2030 by undertaking concrete actions for both the F1 and the actors close or distant from F1.
Hybrid and biofuel
The current engines based on a 1.5L turbocharged V6 with two energy recovery electric motors for a total of around 1000 hp will therefore continue their evolution.
The hybrid has a future, and while electric seems to be the complementary solution to thermal for now, hydrogen could also represent an emerging solution.
With the return of Porsche to Le Mans, everything suggests that the battle will rage in the race for hydrogen development, which is announced for 2024.
With endurance as a laboratory, nothing excludes the possibility that F1 will follow suit to maintain its credibility in a world that needs to be cleaner. In this regard and not having the same constraints, F1 is focusing on the medium-term use of biofuels. A formula has been sent to the various engine manufacturers so they can prepare tests as early as 2021, with the concrete goal of reaching up to 100% biofuel use by 2026.
« The objective is to demonstrate that this technology works and to encourage F1 oil suppliers to develop their own fuels », communicated the Formula One Group to our colleagues at l’Equipe.
Jean Todt spoke on the subject during the FIA congress this week: « the FIA has taken its responsibilities to lead motorsport and mobility into a low carbon emission future to reduce the ecological impact of our activities and have a greener planet. »
« By developing biofuels that can power Formula 1, we are taking a new step forward. »
