Formula 1 is planning to group more races by region in 2023 in an effort to improve its sustainability credentials by reducing freight movements and personnel travel.
During his regular Saturday morning “coffee meeting” with team principals in Barcelona, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali revealed his new strategy for the 2023 calendar.
After taking over F1, Liberty Media announced their plan to make Formula 1 carbon neutral by 2030. The travel schedule is the single biggest factor they’ve identified that could help bring them to that goal.
What the global pandemic and economic downturn has made very clear is that a more efficient schedule is needed as freight costs are rising and freight capacity is falling.
While Domenicali did not go much deeper of what might change, the understanding is that Baku may be grouped together with Shanghai and Suzuka.
F1 still needs more clarity on the COVID situation in China, so having it at the end of the year would give them the needed time to make any decisions.
Monaco’s tradition of end-of-May messes with the flexibility of a Miami and Montreal pairing. One of those races would have to adjust its date by a month.
Net Zero Carbon by 2030
In 2019, Formula 1 announced an initiative that would affect cars and on-track activity as well as the rest of the operations as a sport.
Being at the forefront of automotive innovation gives Formula 1 a global platform to accelerate progress and develop technologies that reduce and eliminate carbon emissions from the current internal combustion engine (ICE). The hybrid power unit will play a key role in the future of the automotive industry.
The current F1 hybrid power unit, delivering more power using less fuel than any other car, combined with advanced sustainable fuels and energy recovery systems presents a tremendous opportunity to deliver a net-zero carbon hybrid power unit. With over 1 billion of the 1.1 billion vehicles in the world powered by ICEs, it has the potential to reduce carbon emissions globally.
In addition to the plans to eliminate the carbon footprint of the F1 car and the on-track activities, initiatives will include action to ensure F1 moves to ultra-efficient logistics and travel and 100% renewably powered offices, facilities and factories.
By 2025 F1 will also ensure all events are sustainable. This will mean the use of sustainable materials at all events with single-use plastics being eliminated and all waste reused, recycled or composted. Additionally, F1 will provide incentives and tools to offer every fan a greener way to reach the race and ensure circuits and facilities enhance fan wellbeing and nature as well as providing opportunities for local people, businesses and causes to get more involved in the action during a Formula 1 race weekend.
Chase Carey, Former CEO of Formula 1, said at that time:
“Over its 70-year history, F1 has pioneered numerous technologies and innovations that have positively contributed to society and helped to combat carbon emissions. From ground-breaking aerodynamics to improved brake designs, the progress led by F1 teams has benefitted hundreds of millions of cars on the road today.
“Few people know that the current F1 hybrid power unit is the most efficient in the world, delivering more power using less fuel, and hence CO2, than any other car. We believe F1 can continue to be a leader for the auto industry and work with the energy and automotive sector to deliver the world’s first net zero carbon hybrid internal combustion engine that hugely reduces carbon emissions around the world.
“In launching F1’s first-ever sustainability strategy, we recognise the critical role that all organisations must play in tackling this global issue. By leveraging the immense talent, passion and drive for innovation held by all members of the F1 community, we hope to make a significant positive impact on the environment and communities in which we operate. The actions we are putting in place from today will reduce our carbon footprint and ensure we are net zero carbon by 2030.”
Jean Todt, former President of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) said:
“Our commitment to global environmental protection is crucial. The FIA welcomes this Formula 1 initiative. It is not only very encouraging for the future of motorsport, but it could also have strong benefits for society as a whole.
“This strategy is in line with initiatives started some years ago by the FIA with the creation of the Environmental Accreditation Programme, more recently with the FIA Environment and Sustainability Commission, and researches on renewable racing fuel. Furthermore, in 2014 we introduced the hybrid power unit in Formula 1, which was essential for the development of motorsport’s highest category.
“It is the same reason that led us to maintain this philosophy within the framework of the Formula 1 regulations applicable from 2021. With the involvement of the teams, drivers, F1’s numerous stakeholders, and crucially the millions of fans around the world, the FIA and Formula 1 are committed to driving development and ensuring motorsport grows as a laboratory for environmentally beneficial innovations.”
Be the first to comment