FIA introduces sustainable biofuel to Formula 1, commits to being carbon neutral in 2021

Formula 1 will switch to 100-percent sustainable fuel, the use of which will be mandatory for all teams starting in 2026. F1’s governing body, the Federation Internationale De L’Automobile (FIA), announced this week that it has delivered the first barrels of the fuel to power-unit manufacturers in an effort to become carbon-neutral in 2021 and net zero by 2030.

The fuel is made from biowaste and is developed to meet the FIA’s stringent specifications. This biofuel is of the second-generation variety, which means it is exclusively refined using biowaste. The FIA’s goal is to demonstrate that the technology works and to encourage F1 suppliers to develop their own fuels by the time new powertrain architecture rules take effect in 2026. From 2021 on, other FIA championships, such as the European Truck Racing Championship, will also be able to use sustainable fuel.

Based on a science-based target reduction plan that is aligned with the Paris Agreement 1.5°C objective, the commitment builds on the FIA’s increasing efforts to reduce the environmental impact of motorsports and automotive mobility by setting clear goals to mark its progress.

“Formula 1 has long served as platform for introducing next-generation advancements in the automotive world,” Formula 1 managing director Ross Brawn says. “We are delighted by the momentum on sustainable fuels which perfectly aligns with our plan to be net-zero carbon as a sport by 2030.

“Our top sustainability priority now is building a roadmap for the hybrid engine that reduces emissions and has a real-world benefit for road cars,” Brawn added. “We believe we have the opportunity to do that with a next-generation engine that combines hybrid technology with sustainable fuels.”

You can watch Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, and friends “advocate for the environment” here in a video that F1 has made to “illustrate and support this commitment.”