For several years, Formula 1 has been promoting initiatives to reduce its environmental impact and move towards greater sustainability. In 2019, it implemented an ambitious strategy with the goal of reducing its carbon footprint by 50% by 2030, using 2018 levels as a reference.
To achieve this challenge, Formula 1 involved all stakeholders in the sport: teams, Grand Prix organizers, and logistics partners. According to Ellen Jones, head of the F1 sustainability project, emissions are classified into three main categories: the energy consumption of offices and facilities of the teams, the travel and logistics of teams, and the energy use in the organization of the races.
Several circuits have already incorporated technologies to generate clean energy, such as the use of low-consumption light bulbs and solar panels. Even Silverstone, one of the most iconic circuits, has implemented measures to reduce its environmental impact.
Logistics: the great challenge
Although single-seaters represent less than 1% of the carbon footprint of the sport, F1 logistics are the biggest challenge, as they account for almost half of total emissions (49% in 2022). To mitigate this impact, racing calendars were rearranged, grouping events geographically close, such as the Japanese and Chinese Grands Prix, and Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
Also, priority was given to the use of maritime transport and F1’s logistics partner, DHL, began using sustainable aviation fuels, with the goal of increasing their use progressively. In addition, in 2024, the fleet of trucks with HVO100 biofuel was doubled, which could reduce carbon emissions by up to 83%.
Challenges ahead
Despite these advancements, Formula 1 still faces challenges. The calendar could be further optimized, such as the relocation of the Canadian GP in May starting in 2026 to align it with the one in Miami. Additionally, the sport does not account for spectator travel, which can range from 100,000 to 300,000 attendees per race.
With the arrival of the Cadillac team in 2026, Formula 1 will need to intensify its efforts to meet its sustainability goal by 2030. However, the implemented measures demonstrate its commitment to a more ecological and efficient future.
Formula 1 is a competition that attracts a large audience. Photo: Wikipedia.
How does Formula 1 act to help the environment?
It is estimated that, during a full season of the competition, around 256,000 tons of carbon dioxide are emitted due to the activities it comprises. Aware of the greenhouse gas emissions it generates, the company decided to implement measures to help counteract the environmental impact.
One of them is choosing water bags instead of bottles. This simple action prevented the disposal of the equivalent of over 200,000 single-use plastic bottles.
Moreover, different types of competition materials were chosen, as the waste generated by spectators, combined with lax environmental regulations allowing plastics and prohibiting the use of eco-friendly packaging in products and food, also means that Formula 1 leaves a pile of waste in landfills. For this reason, the competition material that is discarded can be recycled or manufactured renewably.
Source: AFP.
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