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
Change your timezone:
Latest News
McLaren stars BOOSTED as Hamilton misery made worse
- 18 minutes ago
F1 expert drops clue over major Verstappen DOUBT at Red Bull
- 1 hour ago
Newey 'starting date and role given' at next F1 team
- 2 hours ago
F1 News Today: Verstappen hits out at Newey rumours as team-mates COLLIDE in race
- Today 06:57
Newey makes iconic team switch as Red Bull boss admits 'CHAOS' - GPFans F1 Recap
- Yesterday 23:57
F1 team-mates CRASH into each other in competitive race
- Yesterday 23:12
F1 Race Calendar 2024
-
GP BAHRAIN
29 Feb - 2 Mar
Max Verstappen
-
GP SAUDI ARABIA
7 - 9 Mar
Max Verstappen
-
GP AUSTRALIA
22 - 24 Mar
Carlos Sainz
-
GP JAPAN
5 - 7 Apr
Max Verstappen
-
GP CHINA
19 - 21 Apr
Max Verstappen
-
GP USA
3 - 5 May
Lando Norris
- GP ITALY 17 - 19 May
- GP MONACO 24 - 26 May
- GP CANADA 7 - 9 Jun
- GP SPAIN 21 - 23 Jun
- GP AUSTRIA 28 - 30 Jun
- GP GREAT BRITAIN 5 - 7 Jul
Related news
F1 pundit makes FIA HYPOCRISY claim over Hamilton investigations
Former F1 racer BERATES potential rule change
FIA in disarray as MASS EXODUS continues
Blueprint submitted to F1 and FIA for THREE new teams
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- 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
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- AWS Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
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
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860