Full throttle to net zero – Formula 1’s sustainability challenge

By Skye Morley, Associate Account Executive 

From power grid to starting grid  

As the floodlights rise over the Australian grand prix, Formula 1 (F1) prepares to kick off its 2025 season – anticipated to be its most sustainable yet. Sustainability has quickly become a pivotal dialogue within motorsport, driven by increasing public scrutiny, evolving regulatory landscapes and heightened expectations from fans, sponsors and host cities alike. 

Communicating F1’s sustainability journey is complex: this sport must balance excitement and tradition with genuine progress towards environmental goals. With climate awareness shaping consumer perceptions and corporate responsibility, clearly articulating the sport’s tangible actions towards net zero have never been more critical. 

In this blog, we’ll delve into key sustainability challenges facing F1 – from fuel innovation and hybrid energy systems to sustainable hospitality, travel and components innovation. 

Fueling the future  

In 2022, F1’s carbon footprint was the equivalent of burning 247 million pounds of coal – a staggering figure for a sport committed to go green, as underscored by its own impact report. Addressing this challenge requires action across multiple fronts, starting with one of the most visible aspects: fuel. 

Arguably, fuel is central to F1’s sustainability – but fuel accounting for just 1% of the sport’s annual carbon footprint, the issue runs deeper. Each car employs a hybrid energy recovery system, using battery energy storage systems (BESS) to capture power generated when braking. This is stored and then redeployed to boost acceleration. Since 2022, F1 fuel has contained at least 10% bioethanol, with a shift to 100% biofuels planned for 2026.  

From a logistics perspective,  scheduling adjustments, such as moving the Canadian Grand Prix to May from 2026, will also help reduce emissions by minimizing transatlantic travel. Despite this, significant concerns remain over the energy-intensive transportation of teams, equipment, drivers, and support staff. Frequent private jet use among drivers and senior executives often draws criticism due to the high carbon footprint. Encouraging stakeholders – including teams, sponsors and travel providers – to adopt lower-emission options, such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) could significantly improve the sports sustainable image and emissions, addressing an often-overlooked logistical area of F1 operations.  

Driving green gains 

But progress is already shifting up a gear. When Lewis Hamilton first highlighted climate change in 2019, few in the paddock were ready to listen. Now, the teams from F1-F3 are racing towards sustainability. Recent initiatives include Mercedes cutting emissions by 67% by fueling race and hospitality trucks with biofuel; Williams partnering with software specialists to optimize operations; Alpine teaming up with Eni on energy solutions, and biocarbon fuel testing; Sauber launching the ‘Kick Out Plastic’ campaign to eliminate single-use plastics from their operations; and McLaren pioneering the use recycled carbon fiber on their cars. 

The route forward 

Yet, niche sustainability challenges persist, particularly, tire and composite material waste. While tires are increasingly recycled post-race, carbon fiber recycling remains limited due to technological constraints. This opens opportunities for innovative component manufactures to lead the way, exploring sustainable composite solutions, recycled fiber applications and sustainable seals, similar to breakthroughs by McLaren.  

Future potential lies in energy-efficient track operations, as demonstrated by Silverstone – installing 2,500+ solar panels, switching to HVO biofuel for generators, and converting 50% of its lighting to LEDs.  

As F1 accelerates toward net zero, the narrative around these innovations becomes as vital as the technologies themselves. Clear, compelling storytelling can differentiate brands, build trust and position teams and their sponsors and partners as sustainability leaders. 

The competition to achieve sustainability milestones is intensifying – who will cross the finish line first, will suppliers step up to the challenge and will the FIA ensure the sport continues to race toward a green future? If communicated effectively, these stories have the power to transform perceptions and drive meaningful change. 

Ready to tell your sustainability story and lead the race towards a greener future? Get in touch to accelerate your communications strategy. 

Key Takeaways:  

• Why is sustainability storytelling crucial for F1? As sustainability becomes a key driver of public perception, clear, compelling storytelling helps teams, sponsors, and governing bodies shape the narrative and demonstrate real progress. 
• How can F1 teams and sponsors communicate sustainability effectively? By showcasing tangible actions—like biofuel use, carbon reduction strategies, and eco-friendly logistics—through engaging content, data-driven reports, and authentic brand storytelling. 
• What are the biggest communication challenges in F1’s green transition? Overcoming skepticism, avoiding greenwashing, and making technical sustainability efforts accessible and engaging to diverse audiences, from fans to corporate stakeholders.