Formula One vehicles become smaller and lighter.
Formula 1 is working towards a greener future, with major changes slated for 2026. The FIA has shared a sneak peek of what the new cars might look like, featuring smaller, shorter, and lighter designs that weigh 30 kg less. By the end of next year, all racing will be fueled by sustainable energy. This is part of a mission to set a standard in the world of motorsports, according to the FIA.
The new engine rules have been in development since August 2022, after a long and tedious process of brainstorming and adjustments. The framework for the elite motor racing class's future regulations has finally been determined. Part of this initiative is for electricity to account for almost 50% of the energy used. Additionally, there will be a 30% reduction in exhaust emissions and a 55% decrease in air resistance.
To make the sport more appealing to more car manufacturers, the engine design has been simplified. Ferrari, Mercedes, and Alpine are currently the only engine builders in the sport, but that's set to change in 2026 with the return of Honda. Audi is also joining the ranks, while Red Bull will establish its own powertrain unit called Red Bull Ford Powertrains.
Formula 1 has aimed to be carbon neutral by 2030, but has faced criticism for superficial attempts at sustainability. Greenpeace transport expert Benjamin Stephan said last year, "Formula 1 realizes it has to act responsibly towards climate protection, but it's only doing this on the surface. If Formula 1 wants to take sustainability seriously, it needs to rethink the entire racing series' carbon footprint." The racing series has already taken steps to address this, with several green initiatives launched earlier than other sporting organizers.
Sebastian Vettel, a four-time world champion, believes Formula 1's green initiatives are moving too slowly. "Flying around the world for races and then racing for a few days in Europe just doesn't make sense or a lot of fun," he said. Formula 1 is trying to make its calendar more efficient, with the Grand Prix of Qatar taking place before the season finale in Abu Dhabi and the Grand Prix of Canada happening on the same weekend, replacing races in Monaco and Spain.
While the cars themselves are not the biggest climate issue in Formula 1, the series emitted approximately 256,000 tons of CO2 at 21 races in 2019. The cars accounted for only 0.7% of this emissions, while logistics and travel made up almost 73%. In football, too, the majority of carbon emissions come from the travel of teams and fans to respective stadiums. The transport of heavy equipment around the world also plays a significant role in Formula 1's carbon footprint.
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The FIA's intent to transition Formula 1 towards a greener future includes focusing on sustainability and environmental protection, as evident in the new engine rules and the shift towards sustainable energy sources for racing. The aim is to set an example for the world of motorsports, reducing the cars' weight, exhaust emissions, and air resistance, while encouraging more manufacturers to join the sport.
