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Formula 1 was founded in 1950, and has become the world’s most prestigious motor racing competition. The name originates from ‘Formula’ being the best term to encapsulate a racing division, and ‘1’ denoting that it is the premier formula. It is a team sport requiring an expert driver to race the track and a quick pit crew to change out the tires of the car. Drivers compete for the esteemed F1 Drivers’ Championship, while the teams fight for the F1 Constructors’ Championship and prize money based on their position at the end of the season. Each race is known as a Grand Prix, and they’re being held in a total of 24 cities in 21 countries this year. The Miami Grand Prix will be held next weekend.
F1 is renowned for its technological innovation, from ground-breaking aerodynamics to improved brake designs. In a world pushing for sustainability, however, F1 needs to consider its carbon emissions in order to stay a leader in the auto industry. In 2019, the company released its sustainability strategy in an effort to recognize their role in tackling climate change. F1 promised to deliver the world’s first net-zero carbon power unit and become net-zero by the year 2030 with the year 2018 acting as their baseline. The F1 sustainability strategy goes into depth, stating that by 2025 every race will qualify as an F1 Sustainability Spectacle. This includes an emphasis on using sustainable materials and providing F1 fans with incentives and tools to attend the races in a greener way. By 2030, F1 will be carbon net-zero from factory to flag. This includes fully sustainable racecars, low/zero carbon logistics and travel, 100% renewable-powered offices, and the use of credible offsets.
In early 2024, the company released its first impact report for the 2023 season. To meet their minimum 50% emissions reduction commitment, F1 plans to engage stakeholders to help change their operations and reduce emissions in their direct control. This includes the F1 Group, F1 Teams, race promoters, logistics services, suppliers, and manufacturers. Any remaining unavoidable emissions will be offset using certified and credible programs. The impact report highlighted the 2023 carbon footprint to be 256,551 tonnes of CO2e, a 13% reduction in carbon emissions from their baseline of 2018. F1 identified travel and logistics to be their biggest contributor of carbon emissions. They strategized three new key implementations to make reductions: invest in alternative fuel, build solutions to reduce energy consumption in the paddocks, and innovate new technologies to reduce reliance on physical structures, high amounts of equipment, and carbon-intensive modes of transportation. However, according to the report, to reach its goal of 50% emissions reductions by 2030, they still need to cut 37% of its greenhouse gas emissions in five and a half years.
In March, F1 released its first impact update for the 2024 season regarding the implemented changes such as converting to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), the expansion of low-carbon energy generators at their events, switching all cars to Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified tyres, and improved sustainability within race promoters.
The inaugural Miami Grand Prix took place in 2022. The three day event ends with the famous race around the Miami International Autodrome, complete with 19 corners, 3 straights, and 57 laps. Twenty drivers from ten teams will be competing this year. Curious what race emissions from a Grand Prix look like? We conducted a rough estimate.
For reference, we can compare this amount of emissions to be similar to a road trip from Miami to New York!
However, F1’s carbon footprint comes from much more than the race itself. Transportation of the teams and their equipment, energy usage and waste generation from the facilities, catering at the event, race promoter logistics, and spectator travel are all large contributors. The Miami Grand Prix is making efforts to mitigate their carbon footprint including providing fans with greener transportation options to the event, donating food surplus to the local communities, and collaborating with race promoters to use sustainable materials.
The Miami Grand Prix generates a significant carbon footprint, however, F1's commitment to sustainability, as outlined in its long-term strategy, shows a dedicated effort toward reducing these emissions. Despite these advances, the sport recognizes that significant work remains to meet its ambitious targets. As we look ahead to the 2025 Miami Grand Prix and beyond, the ongoing challenge for F1 will be balancing the excitement and spectacle of the sport with its commitment to sustainability. With continued innovation and collaboration across all sectors, F1 is paving the way toward a more sustainable future for motorsport.