Formula 1 Achieves 26% Drop in Carbon Footprint with Renewable Energy Shift

Formula 1's carbon emissions have dropped 26% since 2018, reaching 168,720 tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2024. The sport's net zero by 2030 commitment is halfway to achieving a 50% reduction target. Renewable energy, sustainable aviation fuel, and hybrid engines have contributed to the decline.

Formula 1 has made substantial strides in reducing its carbon footprint, with emissions dropping by 26% since 2018, according to the latest data from the sport's sustainability report. The reduction brings the total carbon dioxide equivalent emissions to 168,720 tonnes at the end of 2024. This progress marks the sport's commitment to achieving a 50% reduction by 2030, as part of its broader net zero by 2030 goal [1].

The primary drivers behind this reduction include a shift to renewable energy sources, the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel, and the integration of hybrid engines in the race cars. Ellen Jones, head of environmental, social, and governance at Formula 1, highlighted the sport's efforts in changing its operational practices and collaborating with racing teams and promoters to achieve these reductions [1].

A significant contributor to the reduction is the transition to renewable energy, which includes investments in sustainable aviation fuel for travel and freight, as well as other alternative energy sources like solar and biofuels. The sport has also seen reductions across four major categories: factories and facilities (down 59%), logistics (down 9%), event operations (down 12% per race), and travel (down 25%) [1].

In addition to these operational changes, Formula 1 has leveraged remote operations and adjusted the race schedule to further reduce emissions. For instance, having 140 personnel work remotely each race weekend has significantly reduced travel-related emissions. The rescheduling of the Japanese Grand Prix to align with other races in the Asia-Pacific region and the future move of the Monaco Grand Prix to align with European events have also contributed to lower greenhouse gas emissions [1].

Formula 1's climate commitment aligns with the science-based targets set by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The sport's goal is to reduce absolute emissions by at least 50% from a 2018 baseline, as guided by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol [1].

Despite these achievements, Formula 1 continues to face criticism from environmental activists who argue that the sport remains harmful to the environment. Demonstrations such as those by Just Stop Oil in 2022 have highlighted ongoing concerns about the sport's environmental impact [1].

As Formula 1 prepares for the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Brazil, the sport's progress in reducing its carbon footprint is a notable step towards sustainability. The upcoming 2026 season will see the introduction of new hybrid engines and advanced sustainable fuel, further advancing the sport's commitment to sustainability [1].

References:
[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-22/formula-1-renewable-energy-shift-drives-26-drop-in-carbon-footprint
[2] https://za.investing.com/news/company-news/lanzatech-secures-64-million-uk-grant-for-sustainable-aviation-fuel-93CH-3799128
[3] https://sustainabilitymag.com/news/formula-1-esg-boss-sustainability-mindset-needs-to-change