F1 Expands Global Reach While Cutting CO₂ Emissions Significantly
Progress Toward Climate Neutrality
Formula 1 has made significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint, achieving a 26 percent decrease in CO₂ emissions by the end of 2024 compared to the reference year of 2018. This progress puts the sport on track to meet its goal of becoming completely climate neutral by 2030. Despite the expansion of the sport, with the number of Grands Prix increasing from 21 in 2018 to 24 races in 2023 and 2024, Formula 1 has managed to cut emissions significantly.
Without these efforts, emissions would have risen by approximately 10 percent compared to 2018 levels. Instead, the total CO₂ emissions have dropped to 168,720 tonnes, down from 228,793 tonnes in the reference year. This achievement means that Formula 1 is more than halfway toward its target of a 50 percent reduction, as outlined in its Net Zero goals for 2030. Any remaining unavoidable emissions will be offset through reliable climate programs, ensuring net-zero emissions by the end of the decade.
Key Areas of Improvement
Several initiatives have contributed to this reduction in emissions:
- Factories and Facilities: Emissions have decreased by 59% since 2018, primarily due to the shift to renewable energy sources.
- Travel: A 25% reduction in emissions has been achieved, partly due to remote broadcasting technology and the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
- Logistics: Emissions have fallen by 9%, thanks to new freight containers, more efficient aircraft, and biofuel trucks within Europe.
- Events: Emissions per race have decreased by 12%. While the increase in the number of races has led to a slight rise in event-related emissions, overall improvements have kept the total at a lower level.
Future Sustainability Goals
Looking ahead, Formula 1 plans to continue investing in sustainability to reach full climate neutrality by 2030. Some of the key areas of focus include:
- Increasing the use of sustainable aviation fuel.
- Expanding sea transport and establishing regional hubs.
- Transitioning to 100% sustainable fuel for F1 cars starting in 2026.
- Improving calendar scheduling to reduce long-haul flights.
Sustainable Fuel Initiatives
In 2024, Formula 2 and Formula 3 cars ran on a fuel mix containing 55% sustainable fuel. By 2025, both classes will fully transition to advanced sustainable fuel, paving the way for Formula 1’s complete switch to 100% sustainable fuel in 2026.
Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, emphasized the importance of these efforts: “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.” He added that Formula 1 is demonstrating that sustainable growth is possible while continuing to expand globally.
Domenicali also highlighted the role of innovation in driving progress: “Formula 1 has always been synonymous with innovation and the desire to improve. 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 noted that the introduction of sustainable fuels in all Formula 1 cars next year will open up opportunities for road cars and other forms of transportation. “We are proud of what we have achieved so far and remain determined to continue on this path,” he said.
Commitment Across the Sport
Ellen Jones, Head of ESG at Formula 1, stressed that the results reflect a long-term commitment across the entire sport. “Today’s results are the product of years of hard work across the sport. All areas have been tasked with operating more sustainably,” she said.
She added that Formula 1 is uniquely positioned to show that performance and sustainability can go hand in hand. “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.” She expressed confidence in the impact of upcoming initiatives, including changes to the race calendar from 2026 and future projects yet to be announced.