How Sustainable Fuel will Drive F1 to Net Zero by 2030
Motorsport races ahead in more ways than one, especially when it involves environmental sustainability.
The next deadline is often the next race, so change can happen in a matter of weeks.
Formula 1, known for its high-speed races, is also leading the chase towards a more sustainable future with its goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by the year 2030.
Its 2024 Impact Update says that Formula 1 is on track to deliver on this goal.
Ellen Jones, Head of ESG at Formula 1, says: “Innovation and community drove Formula 1's work in 2024. We are thrilled to outline our progress and continued work in this space.
“Formula 1 as a sport is uniquely positioned to take action through our global reach and technological leadership.”
Fuelling F1 cars sustainably
Current F1 cars use E10 fuel, which consists of 10% environmentally friendly ethanol.
However, in 2026 when vehicles will switch to using 100% sustainable fuel.
This innovative fuel maintains a carbon-neutral footprint, as the carbon used in its production is equal to what is emitted during its use.
F1 has been working in partnership with Aramco and the FIA to develop this fuel and have tested more than 39 blends in the process.
So far, they have tested more than 39 different blends to find the most efficient and sustainable option.
In 2024, F2 and F3 cars ran on 55% Aramco advanced sustainable fuel and the FIA medical and safety cars operated on 40%.
This will move to 100% in F2 and F3 cars for 2025 ahead of F1 cars adopting the fuel.
Throughout the 2024 season, all cars also operated using FSC-approved Pirelli tyres, ensuring compliance with strict forest sustainability standards.
Sustainable fuels off-track
The cars on track represent just 1% of F1’s carbon footprint and already use the most efficient hybrid engines in the world.
Most of the sport’s emissions are off-track, where cars, equipment and teams need to be transported to each of the race locations.
The report says that in 2024, F1’s investment in alternative fuels drove carbon reductions in its air and road logistics alongside circuit operations and on track.
It also made significant investments in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as part of this ultra-efficient logistics strategy with DHL and Qatar Airways.
This combined investment reduced total related emissions by more than 8,000 tCO₂e, or roughly 19%, compared to traditional aviation fuel.
Formula 1 began testing and implementing low-carbon energy generation systems and in 2024, trials took place at the Red Bull Ring, the Hungarian Grand Prix and the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.
For 2025, the programme will be rolled out to reduce more than 90% of carbon emissions at all European Grand Prix using technologies such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), biofuel, solar panels and batteries.
Streamlining logistics
Transporting the equipment for 24 races around the world is no small feat.
Formula 1 has strategically reorganised its race calendar to optimise the geographical flow, reducing unnecessary travel.
The race in Japan will move from September to April, fitting with the Asia Pacific segment of the schedule and Azerbaijan has been moved to align with Singapore.
The Qatar Grand Prix will move to the penultimate race of the season, putting it next to Abu Dhabi.
From 2026, the Canadian Grand Prix will be hosted earlier in the year and the Monaco Grand Prix will take place on the first full weekend in June, consolidating the European leg of the season to remove an additional transatlantic crossing.
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said: “The change will make the future flow of our calendar not only more sustainable, but logistically more sensible for our teams and personnel.
“Our net zero by 2030 commitment continues to be a priority for us as a sport and it is thanks to changes like this that we are on track to hitting our goal.”
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