Formula 1 | F1 is making good progress on its sustainability goals
In 2019, F1 launched its sustainability strategy. It was based on three main pillars: achieving carbon neutrality in sports by 2030 (with 100% renewable fuel); “positive change” To build a more inclusive sport in the host countries of the Grand Prix and especially for minorities and women.
Almost four years later, F1 assessed the progress made through FOM CEO Stefano Domenicali. Positive for the Italians: F1 will even be three years ahead of its 2030 carbon neutrality target.
However, according to Stefano Domenicali, there is still a lot of progress to be made. In short, this is not the beginning of the end, but the end of the beginning…
“We are committed to making Formula 1 more sustainable and increasing diversity and opportunity in this incredible sport. We are focused on these very important goals and continue to make great progress in 2022.”
“We have taken important initiatives to achieve our goal of carbon neutrality by 2030, expanded our scholarship program for underrepresented groups and announced the creation of the F1 Academy, which will offer young female drivers access to the highest levels of our sport. »
“We are proud of what we have achieved, but we know that we must continue to improve and bring continuous positive change to Formula 1.
Ellen Jones, who is responsible for the continuous development of Formula 1, also appreciated the progress made and did not thank the employees of the Formula 1 group, without whom nothing is possible.
“We are now three years ahead of our goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030 and it is great to see the progress already made. »
“The work behind the scenes to implement this strategy is tireless and we are confident that we are building a solid foundation for the future of our business and our sport. »
“Thank you to everyone involved in Formula 1, our fans, teams, race promoters and more for their efforts this year to create a more sustainable and inclusive sport. We look forward to working with you more next year. »
Update on actions taken for carbon neutrality
So, what concrete actions have been taken since 2019 to move towards sustainability?
As far as the environment is concerned, the introduction of 100% renewable fuels for next-generation power units in 2026 is a symbolic measure (but it will only account for 1% of total sports emissions).
The fuel developed for this purpose can also, and above all, be reused directly in road vehicles. F1 recalls that in 2030 the world car fleet will remain at 92% of thermal origin, as this is a crucial point.
F2 and F3 will benefit from 55% renewable fuels from next year (in F1 it will be 10%); and 100% in 2027.
But F1 has also adopted a number of other important measures for its entire ecosystem: F1’s televised operations will be managed more remotely; The F1 offices in London are already powered by 100% renewable energy; and F1 has begun to address the most polluting things in sport, logistics in particular, by developing more virtuous cargo planes.
As for the organization of the calendar, the FOM also promises to work on the increased regionalization of the competitions., to save this pollution due to logistics and freight transportation. A goal also potentially at odds with extending the calendar to 24 races.
In 2022, also according to the F1 report, more than 80% of the promoters in the calendar have taken actions that combine ecology and solidarity, such as distributing unsold food at the Grand Prix, reducing single-use plastic (such as distributing refillable water bottles).
70% of promoters suggested more environmental solutions to connect to circuits (with shuttles and other public transport). Half of them have installed solar panels or bio-fuel solutions to consume greener energy.
Greener, but also more inclusive F1
Therefore, in terms of inclusivity, F1 has launched the F1 Academy program (female F4) to support women’s access to the sport (FOM will provide €2.25 million).
FOM also expanded its scholarship program, thanks to support from Chase Carey, enabling 10 minority youth to pursue prestigious engineering education.
These efforts complement initiatives already started by the teams. We’re thinking here, of course, of Mercedes, which rose from competition thanks to the impetus of Lewis Hamilton and his Commission (see our article).
