F1 expands SAF investment through Qatar Airways partnership

Formula One is expanding its investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) through a new programme developed alongside series partner Qatar Airways.

Confirmed:

• Formula One becomes the inaugural member of Qatar Airways’ SAF programme
• Investment in SAF is key part of series’ ultra-efficient logistics strategy 

Context:

Formula One already has a similar deal in place with logistics partner DHL as the series looks to make further progress towards its commitment to be Net Zero by 2030. In total, the combined investment in the two programmes in 2024 will reduce related emissions by more than 8,000 tCO2e (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent). This is an approximate 19 per cent reduction in emissions compared to 2024.

This follows Formula One’s sustainability-focused deal with Aggreko, which first kicked into gear at the 2023 Austrian Grand Prix when the series targeted a 90 per cent reduction in emissions produced from its paddock, pitlane and broadcast area. This was provided through power sources such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) biofuel and 600m² of solar panels. This will expand to all European Grands Prix in 2025.

Comment:

Ellen Jones, head of ESG at Formula One, said: “Today’s investment is the next step in our alternative fuels strategy which is central to delivering our Net Zero 2030 target. Through collaboration with our teams, the FIA and our partners, we are delivering on our promises to drive down the sports’ carbon emissions and drive forward technologies that can have an impact beyond Formula One.

“This is the latest example of how stakeholders across the sport are aligned with our vision for a more sustainable F1, which we are thrilled to see.”

Coming next:

Formula One will use the ‘book and claim’ system, which allows an organisation to ‘book’ a specific quantity of SAF and ‘claim’ the corresponding emission reduction, whilst ensuring SAF is being used to replace fossil jet fuel elsewhere in the aviation industry.

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