The FIA, motorsports’ governing body, held its 2020 Annual General Assembly online due to the coronavirus pandemic. And while many things slowed down last year, Formula One (F1) sustainability planning hasn’t. Several exciting announcements were delivered, including an approved environmental strategy plan to become carbon neutral this year (ahead of being net-zero by 2030), and developing a 100% sustainable fuel – which has already been delivered to the championship’s engine manufacturers for testing and approval.
F1’s managing director of motorsports, Ross Brawn, said:
Formula One has long served as a platform for introducing the next generation advancements in the automotive world. We are delighted by the momentum on sustainable fuels, which perfectly aligns with our plan to be net-zero carbon as a sport by 2030.
Our top sustainability priority now is building a roadmap for the hybrid engine that reduces emissions and has a real-world benefit for road cars. We believe we have the opportunity to do that with a next-generation engine that combines hybrid technology with sustainable fuels.
F1’s Technical Department’s second-generation biofuel variety has been exclusively refined from bio-waste unsuitable for human or animal consumption. Now the organization’s engine manufacturers will test and validate the fuel to determine if the technology is feasible for racing.
FIA plans to start mandating the use of an increasing percentage of biofuels between now and 2026, by when F1 should be powered by fully sustainable fuel 100%. All next-generation engines in F1 will be required to use biofuels. Until then, F1 is committed to hybrid technology.
FIA president, Jean Todt, said:
FIA takes its responsibility in leading motorsport and mobility into a low carbon future to reduce the environmental impacts of our activities and contribute to a greener planet. By developing sustainable fuel made from biowaste that can power Formula One, we are taking a new step forward. With the support of the world’s leading energy companies, we can combine the best technological and environmental performance.
F1’s chiefs believe that there is great potential in becoming a fuel technology battleground, and it’ll result in substantial environmental benefits. The FIA covers 243 member clubs in 146 countries, overseeing 303 championships, so its environmental projects will have a positive effect worldwide.
