Formula 1 has revealed that a working group has been set up to evaluate the framework for its 2026 engines and has provided a 12-month update on its sustainability plans.
Formula 1 last November outlined a long-term ambition to be a more sustainable championship, which included reducing the series’ carbon footprint, using renewable energy where possible, and making events sustainable by 2025.
On Thursday championship organisers provided an update on its plans.
It has accelerated its initial two-year plan to deliver a more remote broadcast operation, undertaken in just eight weeks due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
As a consequence Formula 1 has reduced its travelling personnel by 36 per cent and its freight by 34 per cent, estimating that it has saved the need for 70 tonnes of freight to be taken to each event.
Power Purchasing Agreements have been signed for all of its offices to ensure it receives its energy from 100 per cent renewable sources.
It has also signed the UN’s Sports for Climate Action Framework as part of its ambition to be net carbon neutral by 2030.
In terms of on-track action Formula 1 has used 1.6 litre V6 power units since 2014 and they will remain in use through 2025.
Championship chiefs are already establishing the direction to take for 2026 and beyond and says it believes its next generation engine should “combine hybrid technology with sustainable fuels.
“Therefore a working group of F1 and FIA personnel has been set up to investigate a future engine formula powered by sustainable fuels.
“This group will be expanded to include specialists from the OEMs and energy suppliers as well as seeking expertise from independent research groups.
“Although the carbon footprint of the cars is a very small percentage of our carbon footprint as a sport (0.7 per cent) it is important that the most visual part of our sport is sustainable and can have real world benefits.
“We also believe that there is not a single solution to the engine technologies of the future but that a sustainably fuel hybrid engine will be a significant moment for the sport and the automotive sector.”
As part of its short-term aims championship organisers say they will “work to significantly reduce the amount of single-use plastic bottles and cutlery and food waste in the pit and paddock.”
It will also provide an update on the actions being taken to increase diversity and inclusion in the championship.
Hybrid technology and sustainable fuels will not bring more manufacturers into the sport. What drives this madness. Is it Jean Todt and the FIA alone?
No madness at all. At the contrary. People need to open their eyes on the miserably poluted future that await us if we keep acting as there is no problem going on.And F1 is a perfect display in advertising carbon free fuels which will be then adopted in the consumer world. And hopefully by then it won’t be too late. Oil lobbies have made enough damage, time to reverse the tendency, be aware and as intelligent creatures we should become also wiser.
And we surely also can expect plenty of new manifacturers will join F1. Pretty much guaranteed.
This is the best news in months for F1 !! 100% carbon free in a few years, finally something that is relevant in many ways. I can’t wait to have petrol as a thing of the past.
Upvoting your own posts is pathetic.
Come on Ford or someone, throw your money behind Cosworth and get them back in the game.