Formula 1 reports progress in its “zero carbon” goal for 2030

Formula 1 has managed to reduce its carbon footprint by 17% over the first two full years of the initiative, for the 2020 and 2021 seasons. The figures for the previous season have not been finalized yet. The target for 2030 was announced in November 2019 after a year of research conducted by F1 teams, involving stakeholders such as FIA, teams, and circuit promoters.

The current reductions are based not only on the introduction of future technologies, but also on changes in how the sport operates. “Net zero 2030″ means that we need to reduce our emissions by 100%,” said Ellen Jones, Head of Environmental, Social, and Governance Issues at F1. “We are in 2023, we have seven years, which represents a lot of work. And we need to use the technologies available today.”

A program based on three pillars

Ellen Jones nevertheless emphasizes that the discipline must ensure comparable results from year to year, given that several seasons have been extended. Data from the year 2022 is also being collected.

The introduction of a 100% sustainable fuel (compared to only 10% for the current E10 fuel) for the next generation of engines in 2026 is a key point of the program. But its scope goes beyond that. Our sustainable development strategy is based on three main pillars, said Mr. Jones. The first is to achieve a carbon-neutral balance by 2030. The second is to host more sustainable events. And the third is to ensure that our sport is more diverse and inclusive. This also means that we are holding our sport accountable and engaging it broadly in the direct actions it can take to reduce its carbon footprint.

« The ten teams, race promoters, and F1 logisticians are all looking to reduce their carbon footprint. There are changes that can be made quickly, such as switching to a renewable energy tariff, which we have done as F1 in our offices, and which the 10 F1 teams have done. »

Freight, the largest source of emissions

The responsible for environmental issues admits that the logistics imposed by Formula 1 account for the largest share of carbon emissions in the premier category of motorsport: « Two thirds of our footprint are linked to travel logistics, he acknowledges. « When it comes to achieving the net zero target by 2030, it’s about considering how we can materially modify our operations to ship fewer goods, travel lighter over shorter distances, ensure that what travels has been lightened, reviewed, or even sourced locally. »

« Therefore, these actions do not depend on a technological change, but rather on a cultural change from each individual in Formula 1, who must understand their role and the impact of their decisions on our overall goal of zero emissions by 2030. »

The technological innovations are fantastic and help us leap forward rather than taking small steps.

Formula 1 has also worked on reducing emissions with its logistics partner DHL, by replacing air freight from Boeing 747s with more efficient Boeing 777s and, more recently, by adopting a fleet of trucks running on biofuel.

“When we talk about the carbon footprint of our logistics, there are three main levers that should guide us in order to create these reductions,” said Mr. Jones. “The first one is the distance traveled, the second one is the mode of transportation, and the third one is the quantity transported.”

Mr. Jones also calls upon the circuit promoters, who must cooperate and not necessarily insist on sticking to the traditional dates that have always been convenient for them.

From a calendar perspective, we fully understand that rationalization is a key objective. And it’s an objective that Stefano [Domenicali], our CEO, has advocated for. It’s also a partnership with our promoters. We need to bring them along on the path of change in order to organize more sustainable events, reduce our carbon footprint, and balance all these variables.