
F1 bosses aim to appease oil protesters with KEY sustainability changes
F1 bosses aim to appease oil protesters with KEY sustainability changes

In recent years, Formula 1 has become something of a battleground where high-speed racing and environmental activism collide. While the sport has long been associated with the roar of engines and the scent of burning rubber, a new narrative is unfolding as oil and climate protesters make their presence known on the tracks.
These protests transcend just the confines of race circuits, resonating with the global call for greater sustainability and a reduced carbon footprint - an issue that Formula 1 has, at times unknowingly, contributed to over a period of decades. As the roar of engines clash with the passionate voices of climate-conscious demonstrators, it's clear that a pivotal moment has arrived for the sport and its stakeholders.
Some environmental activists have taken specific aim at Formula 1, using it as a platform to voice concerns, and in turn generating headlines all over the world.
From the protests against the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, located amidst a nature reserve, to the disruptions by Just Stop Oil during last year's British Grand Prix, it's evident that even the most glamorous and high-octane industries are not immune to the demands of a planet in crisis.
So, how has the sport responded?
READ MORE: Vettel creates massive BUZZ upon meaningful F1 return

Formula 1’s green drive
Standing up to the challenge it's faced with, Formula 1 embarked on a green journey in 2019, unveiling an ambitious sustainability strategy with the ultimate goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. This commitment followed a thorough analysis of its carbon footprint, revealing logistics (45%) and business travel (27.7%) as major contributors, followed by facilities (19.3%) and event operations (7.3%).
To address travel-related emissions, F1 bosses are working on regionalising the race calendar, though it’s important to note that expansion and the expectations of host countries complicates this endeavour.
To substantively reduce its emissions, F1 has also adopted various other potential strategies, including remote broadcast operations to reduce freight transport and efficiently designed freight containers for eco-friendly equipment transport.
The sport further aims to make all its events sustainable by 2025, focusing on waste management, eco-conscious transportation for fans and partnerships with race promoters to set specific sustainability goals.

Renewable energy and a new way to fuel
Alongside that, Formula 1 is transitioning to 100% renewable energy across all its facilities. It is also collaborating with the FIA to develop a sustainable fuel for 2026 and beyond, sourced from non-food materials, municipal waste, or even the atmosphere itself, all in the name of reducing carbon emissions. However, experts have raised concerns about the efficacy of such fuels, and further testing is required.
With the spotlight on racing fuel and event sustainability, to its credit, the sport of Formula 1 recognises the formidable challenge posed by its logistical operations, which are central to its carbon footprint. While achieving the net-zero carbon goal by 2030 remains a complex task, there is no doubt that the sport is committed to navigating the intricate terrain of environmental responsibility within the motorsport industry.
READ MORE: Brundle hits out at F1's CONFUSING sustainability measure
Related news

FIA admit loophole damaged F1 competition in 2023

FIA president denies sexism claims and defends historic remarks after 'inhuman' attack

F1 set for EMERGENCY rule change which could massively benefit teams

F1 introduce strict 2026 car rule to prevent Brawn 2.0
Most read

Hamilton clarifies role in high-profile Mercedes F1 departure

Verstappen caught red-handed in failed Red Bull sabotage

McLaren announce NEW F1 signing after Mercedes switch

FIA admit loophole damaged F1 competition in 2023

F1 star costs team 'quadruple his wages' in car damage
F1 Standings

Drivers
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Nyck De Vries
- Liam Lawson
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
-
Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2023
-
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of Australia 2023
-
Grand Prix of China 2023
-
Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2023
-
Miami Grand Prix 2023
-
Qatar Airways Gran Premio Del Made In Italy E Dell'emilia Romagna 2023
-
Grand Prix of Monaco 2023
-
AWS Gran Premio de España 2023
-
Grand Prix du Canada 2023
-
Grand Prix of Austria 2023
-
Aramco Grand Prix of Great Britain 2023
-
Grand Prix of Hungary 2023
-
Grand Prix of Belgium 2023
-
Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of Italy 2023
-
Grand Prix of Singapore 2023
-
Grand Prix of Japan 2023
-
Qatar Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of the United States 2023
-
Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2023
-
Rolex Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2023
-
Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2023
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media

7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860