F1 makes first investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Formula One has made its first investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), marking the latest step in its effort to reach net zero by 2030.

Confirmed:

• First phase of investment involves SAF purchases for air cargo to and from flyaway races since the Australian Grand Prix in March
• Collaboration with global partner DHL covers approximately 20 per cent of subsequent cargo flights this season

Context:

Using SAF delivers an estimated 80 per cent reduction in associated carbon emissions per flight, which means that the flights covered by SAF purchases in the 2024 season are forecast to save more than 4,500 tCO2e compared to the use of conventional aviation fuel.

This follows Formula One’s sustainability-focused deal with Aggreko, which first kicked into gear at the 2023 Austrian Grand Prix when Formula One 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: “Formula One has always been at the forefront of innovation, and our early stage investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuel is a testament to our dedication to deliver on our Net Zero by 2030 commitment.

“SAF is just the latest step for the business, and underscores how alternative fuels both on and off track can materially reduce carbon emissions. This delivery of our sustainability strategy is only made possible through coordinated actions across our sport.”

Coming next:

Formula One’s adoption of sustainable fuel will go to another level in 2026, when cars in the series will run on 100 per cent sustainable fuel, while Formula Two and Formula Three cars will reach that standard next season.

Go deeper:

• Synthetic fuels are coming to F1, but here’s why they could also be a solution for the global automotive industry
• AI in Formula One: What role is the technology playing in race strategies, broadcasts and sustainability?