F1 has announced its intention to be ‘net zero carbon’ by the year 2030, while also have all of its events sustainable by 2025.
Ever since the move from F1 into the hybrid side with its V6 power units, the sport is looking ways to match with the current times and push towards being a sustainable event, where it is not called out for polluting the environment.
It has already taken big steps as mentioned with the hybrid power unit but is now looking for even bigger impact by announcing its intentions to have a ‘net-zero carbon’ footprint by the year 2030 – which covers the F1 cars, on-track activity and whole of its operation.
Having already presented the rules and regulations for 2021 and beyond, F1 indicated of more environment-friendly steps, which was also spoke by reigning and the continuing world champion, Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton.
F1 notes that the announcement only comes after an extensive work for the past 12 months, together with the FIA, sustainability experts, F1 teams, promoters and other partners. They feel they have an achievable delivery plan in store.
The sport has been the pinnacle for generations and has immensely helped the automotive industry in building and implementing modern technologies. It is not just limited to performance but also the safety aspect has been taken care of.
F1 wishes to continue to be at the forefront as it wants to accelerate programmes and develop technologies which can reduce and moreover eliminate emissions from the current internal combustion engine. The current units has already achieved massive numbers.
The idea is to push towards more elimination which will make it a ‘net-zero’ case. In addition to the carbon footprint, F1 is looking to ensure that it moves to ‘ultra-efficient logistics travel and have 100% renewable-powered offices/facilities/factories’.
The next intention is to have all of their F1 events sustainable by the year 2025, where they wish to eliminate single-use plastics while have all the wastes re-used, re-cycled and or composted. F1 is also to extend ways for fans to have a much greener weekend.
Chase Carey, Chairman, and CEO of F1, said: “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. 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.” At the same time, Jean Todt, President of the FIA, added: “Our commitment to global environmental protection is crucial.
“The FIA welcomes this F1 initiative. It is not only very encouraging for the future of motorsport, but it could also have strong benefits for society as a whole. This strategy is in line with initiatives started some years ago by the FIA with the creation of the Environmental Accreditation Programme, more recently with the FIA Environment and Sustainability Commission, and researches on renewable racing fuel.
“Furthermore, in 2014 we introduced the hybrid power unit in F1, which was essential for the development of motorsport highest category. It is the same reason that led us to maintain this philosophy within the framework of the F1 regulations applicable from 2021.
“With the involvement of the teams, drivers, F1’s numerous stakeholders, and crucially the millions of fans around the world, the FIA and F1 are committed to driving development and ensuring motorsport grows as a laboratory for environmentally beneficial innovations.”
Here’s what the team principals said on 2021
Here’s what the drivers said on 2021
The full 2021 regulations can be downloaded from the FIA site, here.
Here’s the details from the F1 2021 press conference
Here’s at length to what Lewis Hamilton stated about the environment
Here’s what the other drivers said
Here’s Lewis Hamilton on encouraging Ross Brawn/Mercedes on less plastic use