F1 cuts European travel emissions by over 80%

Formula 1 has cut the amount of emissions generated by travel in European countries with its global partner DHL.

The global freight company used biofuel in their fleet of trucks used to transport equipment during the European leg of the 2023 F1 season, cutting carbon emissions by an average of 83% compared to fuel-driven trucks.

Across the nine European rounds there was 18 trucks used and powered by HV0100 drop-in fuel (hydrotreated vegetable oil), travelling more than 10,600km and transporting an average of 300 tonnes of freight per race.

F1 claims the trucks maintain the same level of performance in terms of load capacity and travel distance as their diesel counterparts, with each equipped with GPS to monitor fuel consumption and optimise efficient routes.

By FIA regulations every World Championship has to be net zero by 2030, with F1 set to make the switch to advanced sustainable fuels in 2016. Feeder series F2 and F3 also currently run off 55% sustainable fuel.

Each F1 team managed to achieve FIA Three-Star Environmental Accreditation earlier this year, making it the first World Championship to achieve the highest level of environmental sustainability recognition from the governing body.

Important step towards net zero

“It is great to see how our logistics operations can transform to achieve our Net Zero by 2030 goal,” said Ellen Jones, Head of Environment, Social and Governance at F1.

“Reductions such as 83% with the use of the biofuel-powered trucks provide a fantastic platform to build upon, which we will analyse and then continue to deliver in our 2024 season, ensuring that these savings move from a single initiative to business-as-usual carbon reductions.

“Transport and logistics make up a significant portion of our carbon footprint in our sport, and it is crucial to have likeminded partners like DHL that are committed to working with us to drive these down and help us realise our Net Zero target.”