Formula 1 has revealed findings that suggest it is on course to hit its Net Zero 2030 target amid a 13 per cent reduction in its carbon footprint between 2018 and 2022.
The initiative was set up amid F1’s intention to halve its carbon emissions compared to a 2018 baseline with reduction via travel, logistics and energy use at facilities.
Although the data from the previous season is still being obtained and calculated, F1’s latest update based on the 2022 season showcases a 13 per cent cut on 2018.
F1 still has another 37 per cent remaining to achieve its aim, though, and the report documents how the sport intends to fulfil that promise up until its set 2030 deadline.
The expansion to a record-breaking 24-round calendar now accounts for 49 per cent of F1’s carbon footprint but moves are being made to diminish that gradual increase.
Logistics partner DHL now uses a fleet of 18 biofuel-powered trucks that helped to reduce carbon emissions up to an average of 83 per cent during the European rounds.
Meanwhile, F1, the teams, race promoters and partners have all transitioned towards renewable sources and made logistical tweaks to accommodate remote operations.
“The transition to renewable energy both at home and away is really critical for us and is really driven the first 13% in terms of our reductions,” said F1’s Head of Energy, Sustainability and Governance Ellen Jones.
“Within the 2022 stats, that’s driven a 56% decrease in emissions across factories and facilities. To be accounted in 2023 and beyond, you can also start to see how we’re transitioning to renewable energy outside of the UK.”
The F1 calendar has undergone revisions to ease logistical freight demands, with the Japanese Grand Prix’s move to a Spring slot alongside China as an example in 2024.
“The reason that’s important is because the calendar reflects our current freight model, which is where the majority of emissions are due to air freight that travels point to point,” said Ellen Jones, F1’s Head of Energy, Sustainability and Governance.
“When you can reduce those distances, you can reduce your carbon footprint, in addition to the technological innovation that we can then support, such as biofuels and trucks, and sustainable aviation fuel in the future.”
While the full data from last term has not been released, there were several available findings from the last 12 months to highlight the significant progress being made.
For example, there was a 25 per cent increase from 50 per cent to 75 per cent in race promoters adopting renewable energy sources to service their events during 2023.
The Austrian Grand Prix cut emissions by over 90 per cent in the pit lane, paddock and broadcast compound when it trialled renewable generators running on biofuels.
Elsewhere, the British Grand Prix at Silverstone was powered with the entire use of green energy alternatives, including 2,746 solar panels and HVO fuel in generators.
Both Formula 2 and 3 cars have tested running with 55 per cent sustainable fuel in preparation for F1’s progression towards using 100 per cent sustainable fuels in 2026.
However, the emissions emanating from the entire 20-car field of cars should produce less than one per cent of F1’s carbon footprint
Last season witnessed F1 retain its FIA Three-Star Environmental Accreditation, with Jones optimistic that the series is on course to hit its 50 per cent reduction target.
“We definitely are on-track to hitting that target goal and the key parts of that are the outcomes of the trials and the work that you can read about in the 2023 report,” Jones added.
“It is the continued uptake of alternative fuels across all parts of our operations, from the car, to the air, to the generators on site.
“It is also that shared impact of bringing others on the journey with us. It’s one thing to have all 10 teams having a different solution when they’re in the paddock.
“There are much bigger savings when you have a centralised solution that people can work towards together.
“And then the third piece of that, which is probably has the longest lead time, is what do next generation operations look like?
“One and two are things that you will start to see this year, and you will see them accelerate.
“Next generation operations will have a longer tail, because there’s so much that goes into that technology.”
The report concludes with an update on F1’s pursuit to improve diversity and inclusion, which has included scholarships for people from unrepresented backgrounds.
The first F1 ACADEMY Discover Your Drive programme also delivered an exponential increase in the number of girls participating in motorsport at a grassroots level.
