The motorsport has a target of producing net zero carbon emissions by 2030
Watching a Formula One Grand Prix is an electrifying experience, with top drivers pushing the limits on demanding circuits. Yet, this sport isn’t without its drawbacks, both financially and environmentally. Recognizing this, Formula One organizers are actively striving to mitigate the sport’s environmental footprint while maintaining its thrilling essence.
Chase Carey, the CEO of Formula One, has set an ambitious target of the sport giving off net zero carbon emissions by 2030. Carey recognizes “the critical role that all organizations must play in tackling this global issue.” It is all well and good to set highly ambitious goals, but actions speak much louder than words, especially when it comes to sustainability issues and protecting our beautiful planet. Notably, Formula One chiefs estimated the sport produced more than 256,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide or equivalent during the 2019 season.
Formula One teams’ travel produces more than 180,000 tonnes of CO2e
The Formula One circuit’s global reach contributes significantly to its carbon footprint, with travel alone accounting for 72% of its environmental impact. Each team’s journey involves extensive air and road travel, with distances spanning thousands of miles between races. For instance, the trip from Qatar to Texas generates over 1.2 tonnes of CO2e per passenger flight, considering the accompanying equipment, cars, and staff.
Efforts to mitigate this impact include adopting more efficient travel methods and prioritizing low-carbon transportation options whenever feasible. However, substantial changes to the scheduling, such as clustering races in closer proximity, are necessary to make a significant difference. Despite these challenges, Formula One teams are actively seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprint and promote environmental sustainability in the sport.
Formula One cars account for a surprisingly small amount of emissions
An internal Formula One study revealed only 0.7% of the sport’s CO2e emissions come from the ten teams’ car engines. The remarkably low figure includes pre, mid, and post-season testing. How can the emissions be so minimal when these cars produce masses of power?
Internal combustion engines power Formula One cars, but those engines, although highly tuned, are more efficient than most road cars running on fossil fuels. All F1 teams use fuel that is part biofuel, and the sport’s rules dictate how much fuel each car can burn during a race. Various regulations have helped push advances in energy recovery systems and aerodynamics, resulting in some engines being more than 50% thermally efficient, meaning over half of the energy in the fuel is used to propel the car. For comparison, a typical road car’s thermal efficiency hovers around the 30% mark.
Fans and venues are doing their part
The carbon footprint associated with Formula One extends beyond the teams and staff to include tens of thousands of fans and the race venues themselves. Efforts are underway to minimize environmental impact, with a goal of achieving zero waste at Grand Prix events. Initiatives include phasing out single-use plastics, promoting recycling, and utilizing eco-friendly credential passes made from recycled materials.
Venues are also prioritizing sustainability by offering locally sourced food options and enhancing green spaces around the tracks. The aim is to boost biodiversity and reduce carbon emissions associated with importing ingredients. Additionally, organizers are encouraging race-goers to utilize environmentally friendly transportation methods, such as electric shuttle buses and taxis, to reach the events. These collective efforts demonstrate Formula One’s commitment to minimizing its environmental footprint and promoting sustainability within the sport.
Will Formula One ever go fully electric?
While Formula One has made strides in reducing its carbon footprint through more efficient fuel usage, the prospect of transitioning to all-electric motors seems unlikely. This is partly due to the existence of Formula E, an all-electric racing series that already occupies that niche.
Additionally, the logistics of transporting cars, equipment, and personnel to races pose a significant challenge in achieving carbon neutrality. Until more sustainable haulage options are available and race schedules are revamped to minimize travel distances, Formula One may struggle to reach its zero-carbon goals by 2030 or beyond.
