Mercedes release staggering results of triple-header trial

Ewan Gale
Friday 23 September 2022 15:59

Mercedes has revealed remarkable results from a recent three-race F1 trial of the use of biofuels.

The Brackley-based team used Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil [HVO100] in its 16 race trucks for the Belgium-Netherlands-Italy triple-header, ahead of a full adaptation toward biofuels next season, leading to an 89 per cent cut in freight carbon dioxide emissions.

A total of 44,091kg of CO2 was saved across the roughly 1,400km journey, with the trial fitting into the Silver Arrows' push to become verified net zero by 2030, aligning with F1's own goals.

One of the trucks was tested with HVO100 from the Hungarian Grand Prix back to Brackley, before 13 trucks that were stationed in Belgium and three that were in the UK were used for the wide-scale trial. HVO100 is a 100 per cent renewable fossil fuel-free product derived from vegetable oils, waste oils and fats and can significantly reduce CO2 emissions and the impact of freight on local air quality by reducing NOx and particulate emissions. F1 introduced the use of E10 biofuels this year as part of the drive to transition to 100% sustainable fuel in F1 cars from 2026, when new power unit regulations are enforced. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said: "Sustainability is at the heart of our operations.

"Trialling the use of biofuels for our land freight is another example of our commitment to embed sustainability in every decision we make and action we take.

"We aim to be on the cutting edge of change and hope we can make the adoption of sustainable technology possible as we are all in the race towards a sustainable tomorrow." Alice Ashpitel, Mercedes sustainability & environmental manager said: "We are committed to using our global motorsport platform to be leaders in the journey towards not just sustainable racing but a more sustainable future.

"The outcome of this trial, with an 89% reduction in emissions, is another example of our drive to become the most sustainable sports team and comes following a period of commitments from the team to invest in industry-leading sustainability strategies."