Formula 1 has announced plans to expand its investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in collaboration with its global partner Qatar Airways. This business sustainability initiative complements an earlier SAF programme created with DHL, Formula 1’s global logistics partner. The programmes strive to create a broader framework for teams and the FIA to participate.
Together, these programmes are projected to reduce related emissions by over 8000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) in 2024. This will mean a 19 percent reduction compared to traditional aviation fuel used for air freight during flyaway events. Formula 1 has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030, aiming for a 50 percent reduction in emissions compared to its 2018 baseline.
By 2023, the sport has already achieved a 13 percent reduction. Its inaugural impact report from this year unveiled that logistics, specifically transporting equipment to events, is the series’ largest source of emissions, accounting for 49 percent of its carbon footprint. Some of the other sources include business travel (29 percent), event operations (12 percent), and facilities (10 percent). Racing car fuels contributed less than 1 percent.
SAF is a critical part of Formula 1’s alternative fuel strategy and logistics plan to meet its net-zero objectives. Formula 1 vehicles will run entirely on advanced sustainable fuel starting in 2026. On the other hand, Formula 2 and Formula 3 cars will adopt the same standard starting in 2024, building on their 55 percent usage of advanced sustainable fuel in 2023.
Currently, FIA Safety and Medical cars also operate with 40 percent advanced sustainable fuel. Formula 1 accounts for the emissions savings provided by SAF through a “book and claim” procedure. This makes sure that SAF replaces fossil jet fuel elsewhere in the aviation industry while delivering equivalent emissions reductions for the sport.
Other sustainability initiatives from Formula 1
Alongside the SAF initiative, Formula 1 has introduced several measures to tackle its carbon footprint. For instance, DHL biofuel-powered trucks delivered the nine European Grands Prix in 2023, reducing emissions by an average of 83 percent compared to traditional trucks. By moving the Canadian Grand Prix to May and the Monaco Grand Prix to June beginning in 2026, the race schedule has also been streamlined to reduce travel times.
Regional hubs in the UAE, the US, and Europe are expected to help minimise freight distances between events. With pit lanes and paddocks, two crucial operational areas, switching to lower-carbon energy sources beginning next season, the European Grands Prix is also implementing green energy solutions. This will cut emissions in these areas by over 90 percent.
Additionally, redesigned cargo containers now fit more efficiently onto Boeing 777 aircraft, reducing emissions by 17 percent. Remote broadcast operations based at F1’s Media & Technology Centre in the UK are also reducing the need for extensive travel of personnel and equipment.
Conclusion
Formula 1’s expanded investment in SAF fuel, alongside its broader sustainability initiatives, underscores the sport’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2030. By addressing its largest emission sources, such as logistics and travel, and introducing innovative solutions like SAF, optimised race calendars, and greener energy sources, Formula 1 is setting a new standard for sustainability in global motorsport.
These efforts not only highlight the sport’s proactive approach but also demonstrate its role as a leader in driving meaningful change across industries. As Formula 1 continues to accelerate toward its sustainability goals, its initiatives provide a clear roadmap for balancing performance, innovation, and environmental responsibility.
