Formula 1 announce plans to become carbon-neutral by 2030

Formula 1 has announced it has plans in place to become carbon-neutral by the year 2030, with the intention to immediately begin carbon-reduction projects.

The sport aims to eliminate its carbon footprint, focusing not just on the race cars but road and air transport to events as well.

F1 will reengineer the sport entirely, declaring they will “move to ultra-efficient logistics and travel and 100% renewably powered offices, facilities and factories”.

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Another aim for top-tier racing is to create fully sustainable events by 2025. Elimination of single-use plastic will be a main priority, as well as ensuring all waste is recycled or reused.

Within two years, the rules of the sport will ensure that any fuel used will have a minimum content of 10% biofuel.

Lewis Hamilton recently spoke out about his own personal endeavours to help the environment. “Yes we are travelling around the world, yes we are racing F1 cars,” he said.

“Our carbon footprint is larger than the average homeowner but you shouldn’t be afraid to speak out for something that can be a positive change.”

The six-time title F1 champion has been a vegan since 2017 and announced he plans to make himself carbon-neutral by the end of this year.

“I don't allow anyone in my office, but also within my household, to buy any plastics,” he stated. Hamilton has also actively swapped his fuel-based road-cars for electric types.

Formula 1 has been at the forefront of breakthroughs and innovation over the years, meaning this ambitious plan could encourage other sports to follow suit.

According to the BBC, the turbo hybrid engines that each car is equipped with have a thermal efficiency rating of 50%, almost double that of a standard road-car with 30% efficiency.

A thermal efficiency rating calculates the amount of fuel that is converted into power, F1 cars have the highest percentage, making them the most efficient car engines in the world.

These impressive engines will be replaced by even better models in 2026 in terms of efficiency.

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It was calculated that F1’s total carbon emissions in 2018 was 256,551 tonnes, not including the rates from fans’ travel to events.

“It is very welcome that Formula One is making this commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, and significantly clean up their environmental impact,” said deputy leader of the Green Party Amelia Womack.

“The government should hang their head in shame that they won’t reach net-zero carbon emissions until at least 2050, while a world series of car racing is doing the right thing for the planet.”

The “ambitious, yet achievable” process will see F1 plant more trees to aid the environment as well as develop environmentally-friendly technology.

“I still love racing and I want to continue. If you look at our sport, it's shifted, using a third less fuel now,” said Mercedes driver Hamilton.

“There is more I think F1 can do and they are putting plans together but you have to push all the industries, you have to push F1 to do more.”