Formula 1 to go carbon neutral by 2030

Liberty Media CEO Chase Carey has announced today Formula 1’s new ecological plan which will make the sport carbon neutral by 2030.

It includes plans to improve the efficiency of the current 1.6 L V6 turbo power unit, for the teams’ facilities, factories and offices to be renewable, to use materials that are renewable and provide incentives to promoters to encourage spectators to care for the environment while at the circuits.

Also, there will be a plan produced by Formula 1 corporate on how the logistics of the sport can be changed to meet the needs of future generations in creating a more sustainable business model which will be published in due course on the Formula 1 corporate website.

Since the launch of the V6 hybrid power units in 2014, F1’s image went from being a gas-guzzling formula to being a far less polluting category. But huge the challenges remain enormous for a category that produce 256,000 tons of CO2 each year, with the intention to increase the sports airmiles over the coming seasons.

Liberty Media CEO Chase Carey said when the plans were announced today:

“Over its 70-year history, F1 has pioneered numerous technologies and innovations that have positively contributed to society and helped to combat carbon emissions. From ground-breaking aerodynamics to improved brake designs, the progress led by F1 teams has benefitted hundreds of millions of cars on the road today.

Carey would go on to state

“Few people know that the current F1 hybrid power unit is the most efficient in the world, delivering more power using less fuel, and hence CO2, than any other car. We believe F1 can continue to be a leader for the auto industry and work with the energy and automotive sector to deliver the world’s first net zero carbon hybrid internal combustion engine that hugely reduces carbon emissions around the world.

“In launching F1’s first-ever sustainability strategy, we recognise the critical role that all organisations must play in tackling this global issue. By leveraging the immense talent, passion and drive for innovation held by all members of the F1 community, we hope to make a significant positive impact on the environment and communities in which we operate. The actions we are putting in place from today will reduce our carbon footprint and ensure we are net zero carbon by 2030.”

As part of meeting that target, F1 will also be target having carbon-neutral events by 2025. This will mean only sustainable materials will be used at all events with single-use plastics banned and all waste will be reused, recycled or composted. In showing its ambition for creating a sustainable business model, F1 will also provide incentives and tools to offer every fan a greener way to reach the race and ensure circuits and facilities to enhance fan wellbeing and nature as well as providing opportunities for local people, businesses and causes to get more involved in the action during a Formula 1 race weekend.