How F1 will lead the charge to use biofuels | Formula 1® (2024)

FAQs

How F1 will lead the charge to use biofuels | Formula 1®? ›

F1 currently uses E10 fuel, which contains 10 percent renewable ethanol, while Formula Two and Formula Three used a 55 percent “drop-in” sustainable fuel during the 2023 season. But come 2026, F1 will use 100 percent sustainable fuel with its new era of power units.

F1 cars on the track are responsible for just 0.7% of the sport's emissions, which overall stand at around a quarter of a million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent - roughly the same as the annual emissions of 55,000 normal cars, according to a calculator from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The industry should not be forced to use biofuels because the United States had been diverting millions of acres of farmland from food production to fuel. If the value of fuel exceeds its food value, then it will be used for fuel instead of food and the amount of crops produced will drop dramatically.

To achieve Net Zero Carbon by 2030, F1 committed to an absolute carbon emission cut of at least 50% versus 2018. The sport is prioritising cutting emissions first – targeting travel, logistics and energy use at factories and events – before investing in credible offsetting against emissions beyond its control.

F1 said it aims to shift its race cars to 100% sustainable fuel use by 2026, a goal it is halfway to achieving, as cars that competed in the F2 and F3 junior series in the 2023 season used 55% advanced sustainable fuel. The F2 and F3 series aim to have competitors use 100% sustainable fuel by 2027.

F1 currently uses E10 fuel, which contains 10 percent renewable ethanol, while Formula Two and Formula Three used a 55 percent “drop-in” sustainable fuel during the 2023 season. But come 2026, F1 will use 100 percent sustainable fuel with its new era of power units.

In 2019, the sport set a target to achieve a net zero-carbon footprint by 2030, using 100% sustainable fuels by 2026 when a new engine is introduced.

Biofuel production and use has drawbacks as well, including land and water resource requirements, air and ground water pollution.

Potential drawbacks include changes to land use patterns that may increase GHG emissions, pressure on water resources, air and water pollution, and increased food costs.

In addition to the climate harm caused by biofuel production, the massive production of corn destroys native habitats and poses a significant threat to biodiversity. Land conversion often occurs in ecologically sensitive areas, leading to habitat loss and harming wildlife.

What is the goal of F1 2030? ›

In 2019, F1 launched its sustainability strategy with three key goals: Achieve Net Zero Carbon by 2030. Leave a legacy of positive change wherever it races. Build a more diverse and inclusive sport.

Well, there is much evidence to show that money brought in by tourism and travel due to Grand Prixs actually stimulates local economies to the point where there may be a positive return.

Bogus Net Zero Claims

In short, it's greenwashing. In other words, it's lying in order to deceive fans, maintain profits and delay legitimate action to cut emissions. Which brings us on to F1's claim that is “targeting net zero by 2030”.

F1's biggest environmental challenge is its carbon footprint; with 10 teams, 20 cars, and 23 races held in different countries, F1 emits approximately over 256,000 tons of carbon dioxide every season.

Formula 2 and Formula 3 have been using a 55% advanced sustainable fuel since the start of the 2023 season, and from 2026 all F1 cars will use 100% advanced sustainable fuels as part of the next generation of power unit regulations.

F1 cars actually contribute the least to the sport's emissions, accounting for only about 0.7%. In 2013, each car used about 160kg of fuel per Grand Prix race. By 2020, this was reduced to 100kg. F1 is now committed to use as little as 70kg of fuel per car by 2026.

As already discussed, F1 is working to decrease its carbon emissions and make the sport more sustainable. However, it is starting from such a high point that it may take decades to reduce its emissions enough. And, after adding 2 new races for the 2022 season, carbon emissions actually increased!

1. RAM 1500 TRX 4×4. The RAM 1500 TRX 4×4 is the least environmentally friendly vehicle. This gas-guzzling pickup truck gets a mere 10 mpg in the city and 14 mpg on the highway.

Formula 1 - 110 kilograms per race

F1 cars can use a maximum of 110 kilograms of fuel per race (305km / 190 miles), however they don't always fill the car with that much fuel. This is because the more fuel a car starts with the heavier it is, and the more lap time it costs.