Mercedes succeeded in its bid to slash emissions during the European leg of the 2023 Formula 1 season – achieving a 67% reduction for race and hospitality trucks and generators.
The Brackley-based outfit used HVO100 biofuel to power trucks and generators to beat its target of a 60% reduction, travelling 386,000 km of the 460,000 km total distance covered on the sustainable fuel source and using HVO100 as 35% of all generator fuel.
The net result was a saving of 339 tCO2 overall and a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to diesel for every km travelled.
“We are delighted to achieve such a positive set of results and reduce our freight and generator emissions significantly over this season’s European races,” said Alice Ashpitel, Head of Sustainability at Mercedes.
“The use of biofuels is one of our key pioneering initiatives as part of our overarching sustainability strategy for achieving Net Zero for our Race Team Controlled emissions by 2030.
“This project marks a significant step forward and a strong proof point supporting the wider adoption of HVO100 across sport, entertainment, and logistics industries.”
Mercedes, like the F1 series, is targeting net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
For F1, strategies to help achieve this include a revised 2024 calendar that sees the majority of races grouped together geographically, cutting down on air travel and the introduction of increased hybridisation and sustainable fuels in 2026 F1 power units.
Next year, Mercedes is targeting 100% usage of HVO100 in its trucks and increasing the use of biofuel in its generators.
Tactics such as this and F1’s overall commitment to reducing emissions are vital to safeguarding the sport’s future amid an increasingly environmentally conscious world.
“Formula One is the most well-known global sport in the world, so it is vital we can use our platform to pioneer change,” said Team Principal Toto Wolff.
“We can no longer compromise on the impact we have on our planet, and we need to adapt to reduce our emissions.
“We are a team of innovators and have an ambition to be the world’s most sustainable sports team.
“Results like this show we are on the right track to achieving that milestone with sustainable fuels central to the team’s strategy to achieve Net Zero.
“This was a very complex project, and we extend our thanks to our Title and Technical Partner PETRONAS, and our logistical partners, who have worked so hard to deliver the results of this challenging yet rewarding project.”
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