The premier motorsport championship accelerates its sustainability agenda with pioneering fuel technology and strategic operational changes
The championship’s progress, detailed in its 2024 Impact Update, demonstrates meaningful advancement towards these ambitious targets. Through technological leadership and global reach, Formula 1 has created a platform where sustainability drives performance rather than compromising it.
Revolutionary Fuel Development
Formula 1’s commitment to sustainable fuels represents perhaps the most visible aspect of its environmental strategy. Currently, F1 cars run on E10 fuel—a blend containing 10% green ethanol and 90% conventional fuel. However, this represents merely the first lap in a much longer race.
By 2026, all Formula 1 cars will transition to 100% sustainable fuel, designed as a ‘drop-in’ replacement requiring no engine modifications. This fuel will be laboratory-created using components from carbon capture schemes, municipal waste or non-food biomass, while delivering greenhouse gas emissions savings of at least 65% compared to fossil-derived petrol.
The technology development pathway has already begun in earnest. Through collaboration with Aramco and the FIA, Formula 1 has tested more than 39 fuel blends. The 2024 season saw Formula 2 and Formula 3 cars running on 55% advanced sustainable fuel, while FIA medical and safety vehicles operated using 40% sustainable fuel.
“The fuels used in F2 and F3 have not come at the cost of any performance,” notes Pierre-Alain Michot, F2 and F3 Technical Director. This achievement validates the technical viability of the approach and provides crucial data ahead of the complete transition to 100% sustainable fuel in F1.
Formula 2 and Formula 3 will run exclusively on 100% sustainable fuel from 2025, serving as the final proving ground before Formula 1 adopts similar technology the following year. The significance extends beyond motorsport, as these fuels could eventually find application in consumer vehicles, potentially transforming the automotive industry.
Beyond Track Performance
While racing cars capture public attention, they contribute just 1% of Formula 1’s total carbon footprint. The championship has therefore expanded its sustainability focus to address the 99% of emissions generated through logistics, transport and operations.
The 2024 season marked substantial progress in logistics optimisation. Formula 1 made significant investments in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as part of its ultra-efficient logistics strategy with partners DHL and Qatar Airways. This combined investment reduced related emissions by more than 8,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent—approximately 19% compared to traditional aviation fuel.
Additionally, low-carbon energy generation systems underwent testing at three European circuits: the Red Bull Ring, Hungaroring and Monza. For 2025, this programme will expand to reduce more than 90% of carbon emissions at all European Grand Prix events through technologies including hydrotreated vegetable oil, biofuel, solar panels and battery systems.
The championship has also reconfigured its racing calendar to improve logistical efficiency. From 2025, races will follow more logical geographical progression, with Japan moving from September to April to align with other Asia-Pacific events, and Qatar shifting to precede Abu Dhabi as the penultimate race of the season.
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, emphasises the significance of these changes: “The adjustments will make the future flow of our calendar not only more sustainable, but logistically more sensible for our teams and personnel. Our net zero by 2030 commitment continues to be a priority for us as a sport.”
Social Responsibility and Education
Formula 1’s sustainability vision extends beyond environmental concerns to encompass social responsibility initiatives. Following recommendations from the Hamilton Commission, Formula 1, the FIA and all ten teams have signed a Diversity and Inclusion charter aimed at improving representation across motorsport.
The championship has expanded its F1 Engineering Scholarships programme, which will have supported 50 students from underrepresented backgrounds by the end of 2025. Additionally, 2024 saw the launch of the Learning Sectors global education programme in collaboration with the British Council, targeting 130,000 students across Brazil, India, South Africa and the United Kingdom to pursue STEM subjects.
Female participation in motorsport has also increased significantly, with F1 Academy’s partnership with the Champions of the Future karting series helping to boost female participation from 5% in 2023 to 25% in 2024.
Legacy Beyond Motorsport
The true significance of Formula 1’s sustainability push extends far beyond reducing the championship’s own carbon footprint. With projections indicating 1.8 billion cars on global roads by 2030—only 8% of which will be battery electric vehicles—the development of sustainable fuels could have profound implications for worldwide transport emissions.
As Ellen Jones, Head of ESG at Formula 1, states: “Formula 1 as a sport is uniquely positioned to take action through our global reach and technological leadership.” By pioneering 100% sustainable drop-in fuels compatible with conventional engines, Formula 1 demonstrates how motorsport can contribute meaningful solutions to global climate challenges.
This represents perhaps the most compelling aspect of Formula 1’s approach to sustainability—leveraging the sport’s technological innovation, engineering excellence and global platform to accelerate broader environmental progress. The finish line remains distant, but Formula 1 has clearly shifted into a higher gear on its journey towards Net Zero.