Can Formula 1 Reduce Its Carbon Footprint And Go Net Zero By 2030? Apparently, It Could

What does Formula 1 have to do with carbon emissions? For most of us, the pinnacle of motorsport racing is about swashbuckling drivers, scenic tracks, exhilarating overtakes and a shower of bubbly on the podium.

But speed thrills and it can certainly kill the environment around it – albeit slowly – if left unchecked.

Formula 1 is a logistical mammoth. Every race – and there are 24 of them on the F1 calendar now – involves long-haul freight and travel. Imagine packing everything for 10 F1 teams and shipping them across the world year on year. That’s a lot of carbon emissions from multiple activities.

Things, however, are heading in the right direction – away from the red zone to the green.

According to the latest Formula One Sustainability Update released this week, at the end of the 2024 season, the carbon footprint for the sport stands at 168,720 tCO2e (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) – down from 228,793 tCO2e in 2018.  

The update also confirmed that the sport is over halfway towards achieving its minimum 50% emissions reduction target, as set out in its Net Zero by 2030 commitment. Any remaining unavoidable emissions will be offset using credible programmes in line with latest best practice guidance, according to the official F1 website.

Other numbers painted a positive picture as well.

Emissions from factories and facilities for the sport have reduced by over 34,000 tCO₂e compared to 2018, representing a 59 per cent reduction in this area. This has been achieved through the continued transition to renewable energy sources to power Formula 1 and F1 Teams sites.

Emissions from travel have reduced by almost 20,000 tCO₂e compared to 2018, representing a 25 per cent reduction. This has been achieved through the increased rollout of remote broadcast operations, and F1 Teams making investments in sustainable aviation fuel for race travel operations.

Emissions from logistics have decreased by 6,438 tCO₂e compared to 2018, representing a 9 per cent reduction in this area. To achieve this Formula 1 made a significant investment in new freight containers to allow for the use of more efficient 777 planes, invested in SAF for freight operations, and expanded the use of biofuel trucks for freight in Europe. Event operations emissions have also decreased by 12 per cent on a per-race basis. 80 per cent of race promoters powering aspects of their events are using alternative energy sources such as solar panels, green tariffs and biofuels, with plans in place at all others to begin in the coming years, the update further explained.

Interestingly, in 2024, improvements were made to the geographical flow of races around the world. This included moving the Japanese Grand Prix from September to April to align with the Asia-Pacific segment of the calendar; adjusting the Azerbaijan Grand Prix to align with Singapore; and scheduling the Qatar Grand Prix to run back-to-back with nearby Abu Dhabi. From 2026, the Canadian Grand Prix will be held in May, while the Monaco Grand Prix will move to June. This change consolidates the European leg of the F1 season into a single period, eliminating an additional transatlantic crossing for vital freight and equipment and delivering significant associated carbon reductions, the update from F1 said.

In a statement on the official F1 website, Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said: “We are strongly committed to achieving Net Zero by 2030. It is a concrete goal, already visible in the significant reduction of our sport's carbon footprint. While continuing to grow globally, we have shown that sustainable development is possible and that the strategies we have adopted are yielding tangible results.”

Domenicali said Formula 1 has always been synonymous with innovation. He hinted at further development around sustainable biofuels, which have been a big talking point in the sport over recent years.

“Once again, this mentality has allowed us to make important progress, not only for those who work in this world, but also for society as a whole,” he further added. “We will continue to pursue our projects and next year we will introduce new actions, such as the use of advanced sustainable fuels in all Formula 1 cars, a step that also opens up significant opportunities for road cars and other means of transport.”

Ellen Jones, Head of ESG at Formula 1, said: “Looking ahead, we have a clear plan to meet our commitments and to further demonstrate how growth can be positive for both sustainability and sporting outcomes. Formula 1 is uniquely placed to show that performance and sustainability can support one another, and I look forward to seeing the impact of initiatives already announced – such as changes to our race calendar from 2026 – as well as those yet to come, to help us deliver on our goals and beyond.”