Formula 1 Accelerates Brand Through Sustainability Push

Formula 1 has set a target to reach net zero emissions by 2030. The sport has cut emissions by 35% compared to its 2018 baseline, including a 12% reduction in 2025 over the previous year.

These reductions occurred as the race calendar expanded from 21 to 24 events. The figures include Sustainable Aviation Fuel certificates, also known as SAFc or SAF credits.

These tradable instruments represent the carbon reductions from producing and using SAF. Organisations use them to claim climate benefits without directly purchasing or using the fuel.

According to Formula 1, the sport has eliminated over 80,000 tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions through Sustainable Aviation Fuels, electrification and other methods since 2018.

Brand partnerships for freight

Formula 1 currently relies on road and air freight to transport cars and equipment. The organisation aims to shift 50% of broadcast and related freight to sea transport or regional hubs.

This logistics transformation represents a significant shift in how Formula 1 positions itself to commercial partners and sponsors. By restructuring its supply chain, the sport creates new partnership opportunities with logistics providers whilst demonstrating operational sustainability at scale.

Formula 1 and DHL will invest in sustainable maritime fuel and expand the use of biofuelled trucks in 2025 to support this transition. The partnership extends DHL's role beyond traditional freight services into sustainable logistics innovation, positioning both brands as leaders in low-carbon supply chain management.

DHL Group has announced plans to expand its capabilities in new energy sectors in response to customer demand. According to DHL, it aims to grow its revenue in New Energy logistics from around €600m (US$695m) in 2025 to €3bn (US$3.5bn) by 2030.

This fivefold revenue growth target demonstrates how Formula 1 partnerships provide commercial platforms for suppliers to develop and showcase emerging technologies to global audiences.

"Sustainability underpins every decision we make, not only on the racetrack, but in how we produce and deliver our iconic events around the world," says Ellen Jones, Head of ESG at Formula 1.

"By doubling the sport's investment in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), making our first investment in sustainable maritime fuel and continuing to work closely with promoters, teams and partners, we are driving further emissions reductions while accelerating the adoption of the latest technologies.

"These actions demonstrate our continued determination to lead through sustainable innovation. As we move towards our net zero by 2030 goal, the Future Race Operations Programme will deliver further significant reductions in the years ahead, alongside the full impact of calendar rationalisation, which will come into effect from the 2026 season.

"Together, these initiatives show that sustainable operations are not only possible at a global scale, but can be delivered without compromising the performance, ambition or spectacle that define Formula 1."

Audience growth through climate messaging

Formula 1 and its partner Aggreko are using higher levels of synthetic renewable diesel, as well as solar and battery solutions, for on-site operations at European events.

Large-scale events occur infrequently at race tracks. This makes investing in permanent low-carbon infrastructure challenging.

Temporary technologies allow Formula 1 to reduce environmental impact at events. These solutions include mobile battery storage systems and transportable solar arrays that can be deployed at different circuits throughout the season.

The technologies provide power for broadcast operations, hospitality facilities and trackside equipment without requiring permanent installations at each venue.

Developing such technologies could be important for event-based industries to meet climate commitments. The temporary infrastructure model addresses a commercial challenge faced by promoters and venue operators who host multiple event types throughout the year.

The expanded race calendar from 21 to 24 events increases Formula 1's global reach and broadcast audience. The sport's ability to grow its schedule whilst reducing emissions provides a commercial narrative that differentiates Formula 1 from other international sports properties competing for sponsor investment and media rights deals.

"At Formula 1, we act and show our achievements through facts, not just words, and I am incredibly proud that we remain on track to achieve net zero by 2030, made possible by the collective effort across the sport to reduce our environmental impact," says Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.

"From calendar rationalisation to greater investment in sustainable fuels and alternative energy solutions, we have reduced our footprint while the sport continues to grow and reach new audiences around the world."

Team and sponsor positioning

The Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 team introduced an all-electric truck earlier this month. The eActros 600 will transport the team's cars and equipment to European races, complementing the bio-fuelled fleet.

McLaren Racing has partnered with Ecolab to cover 100% of its aviation travel emissions using SAF certificates. In 2021, McLaren also set a goal to develop the first Formula 1 car made from recycled and recyclable materials.