Mercedes reaches significant environmental milestone during Europe races

Mercedes has managed to reach an emissions reduction of 67% for race and hospitality trucks during the European Formula 1 season.

The team claims it saved 339 tCO2e and reduced race, hospitality trucks, and generator emissions through the use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO100) biofuel developed with title sponsor Petronas.

The fuel was used in 16 trucks which travelled over 386,000km across Europe using HVO100, with it also taking up 35% of all generator fuel.

Mercedes plans to use its learnings from the 2023 season to continue its drive towards the full use of HVO100 in all of its trucks from 2024, while also increasing its usage for generators in the paddock.

It comes after the team addressed another source of its emissions in 2022 by investing in the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel, which saved 21% of overall air travel emissions.

Wolff: We can no longer compromise on emissions

Team Principal Toto Wolff has previously spoke about F1's being a role model in the fight against climate change, after two races were impacted by adverse weather this year.

He reiterated the need to "no longer compromise" on green initiatives within teams and businesses alike.

"F1 is the most well-known global sport in the world, so it is vital we can use our platform to pioneer change," said Wolff.

"We can no longer compromise on the impact we have on our planet, and we need to adapt to reduce our emissions. We are a team of innovators and have an ambition to be the world's most sustainable sports team.

"Results like this show we are on the right track to achieving that milestone with sustainable fuels central to the team's strategy to achieve Net Zero."

Alice Ashpitel, Head of Sustainability, added: "We had to overcome complex logistical hurdles on this project. To achieve such a significant reduction in freight and generator emissions demonstrates the strong collaboration between the team, Petronas and our logistics partners.

"This project marks a significant step forward and a strong proof point supporting the wider adoption of HVO100 across sport, entertainment, and logistics industries."