The race to zero: Can gas-guzzling F1 ever go green?
As Formula One (F1) gears up for its season finale in Abu Dhabi, attention is also turning towards another global event – the COP28 climate talks in Dubai. While F1 cars on the track are responsible for only 0.7% of the sport’s emissions, the overall carbon dioxide equivalent emissions of F1 stand at roughly a quarter of a million tonnes, equivalent to the annual emissions of 55,000 typical cars. With transport accounting for about a third of global emissions, F1 faces the challenge of going green and reducing its impact on climate change.
In 2019, F1 set an ambitious goal to achieve a net zero-carbon footprint by 2030, with plans to switch to 100% sustainable fuels by 2026 when a new engine is introduced. Ellen Jones, F1’s head of environment, social and governance (ESG), believes the sport has a unique platform to drive technological innovation and inspire international action on climate change.
However, F1’s biggest emissions do not come from the cars themselves, but from the travel and logistics involved in the sport. With more than 20 races taking place across five continents, travel accounts for two-thirds of F1’s carbon footprint. To tackle this issue, F1 is reviewing the amount of equipment that needs to be transported, exploring lower-emitting trucks, and adjusting the race calendar. For instance, starting next year, the Abu Dhabi race will be held back-to-back with the Qatar event, reducing the need for teams to travel long distances.
But not everyone is convinced that F1’s efforts are enough. Benjamin Stephan, a transport expert at Greenpeace Germany, argues for a more regionalized calendar with fewer races to limit air travel. He points out that while F1 aims to become carbon neutral, it is simultaneously increasing the number of races on the calendar. In 2024, there will be a record 24 grands prix, compared to 22 in 2023 and just 16 when Stephan first started watching the sport as a child.
Amidst the global race to tackle climate change, F1 faces the challenge of reconciling its high-emission image with its ambition to be green. As the sport strives for a net zero-carbon footprint, it must address the significant emissions from travel and logistics. While progress has been made in adopting sustainable fuels and reviewing race schedules, opinions differ on what more needs to be done. As F1 races towards its sustainability goals, it remains to be seen whether this gas-guzzling sport can truly go green.
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