Formula One and the Climate Crisis

Formula One is recognised worldwide for its innovation, entertainment and breakneck speeds - but this comes at a cost. With an annual carbon footprint of over 250,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide, F1 exemplifies the connection between environmental challenges and elite-level sport. As climate change accelerates, the sport is already feeling its impact, forcing the FIA, teams, and drivers to adapt - or risk losing the race against time.

F1’s environmental issues are deeply rooted in its history. Since the inaugural World Championship in 1950, the sport has showcased high-performance, fuel-intensive machines on a global stage, with sustainability consistently low on the list of priorities. Early environmental concerns were overlooked as the focus remained on speed, engineering, and entertainment.

The 2014 introduction of hybrid engines marked a key milestone in F1’s history. These power units, which combine internal combustion engines with electric energy recovery systems, reduced fuel consumption by up to 30%. While recognised as a victory for those pushing for sustainability, hybrid engines did little to improve the sport’s carbon footprint. Critics labelled the move as an empty gesture, as global travel alone accounts for more than 45% of F1’s carbon emissions.

Despite this initial progress, the climate crisis has continued to outpace F1’s new initiatives. By the late 2010s, the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and rising global temperatures were impossible to ignore, prompting a more concerted effort to secure the sport’s future. Still, the effects of climate change remain unavoidable, with races as recently as October 2023 being significantly disrupted.

Extreme heat in the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix highlighted the issue. With cockpit temperatures rising above 50 degrees Celsius, many drivers suffered from dehydration and heat exhaustion. Williams driver Logan Sargeant retired as a result of dehydration and nausea, and his teammate Alex Albon was treated post-race for acute heat exposure. Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll admitted he almost passed out due to dizziness and his fellow Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso described the race as “like driving in a sauna,” showcasing not only the impact of rising global temperatures but the dangers it poses those competing.

Unseasonal rainfall and flooding have also caused chaos. The 2021 Belgian Grand Prix was reduced to a somewhat farcical three laps behind the safety car due to torrential rain, ruining a crucial race in what was a dramatic World Championship fight. Furthermore, the 2023 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was cancelled altogether due to extreme flooding in Italy, again highlighting the increasing risks of hosting elite sporting events amid an ever-changing climate.

Beyond disruption, the sport’s carbon footprint remains a major problem. F1’s global calendar requires teams to travel across continents regularly, thus increasing emissions. Similarly, night races, which depend on energy-intensive lighting systems, further emphasise the sport’s damaging environmental impact. Therefore, if the sport fails to adapt, its future will be faced with immense challenges.

Rising temperatures could mean several circuits will be unable to host races in the future, especially those in hot climates like Bahrain, Singapore, and Qatar. Drivers will continue to face health risks such as dehydration and heat stroke, while fans could be deterred by extreme weather conditions. This, in turn, could lead to reduced attendance and less economic income for a sport that has dominated motor racing for 74 years.

Similarly, weather unpredictability will continue to disrupt race scheduling, increasing the chances of cancellations, reduced-lap races, and dangerous racing conditions. Coastal tracks like Monaco and Zandvoort face added threats from rising sea levels, increasing the risk of the calendar losing circuits due to the current climate predicament.

Another concern F1 is public perception. A younger, more eco-conscious fanbase will demand more accountability from governing bodies and teams. As a result, F1 risks alienating members of its loyal and dedicated fanbase if it fails to align with global sustainability programmes, leading to further criticism and becoming a symbol of environmental irresponsibility.

Perhaps recognising the impending issues, F1 has made promises to secure its future as a sustainable sport. The FIA and F1 governing bodies have pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, with the introduction of fully sustainable fuels in the 2026 season central to this plan. The fuels aim to power the new generation of hybrid engines without the use of fossil fuels, as F1 enters a new era both on and off track.

F1 has also taken steps to reduce its travel footprint. This includes reorganising race calendars to group geographically adjacent events – such as Bahrain and Saudi Arabia or Qatar and Abu Dhabi – into consecutive races, thus decreasing the number of long flights. Not only this, but more sustainable methods of transport are being used. Logistics partners like DHL have introduced biofuel-powered vehicles and electric alternatives for ground transport, significantly cutting emissions.

Equipment is now regularly shipped in bulk to minimise air travel, while non-critical equipment is stored in regional hubs to avoid constant transport to and from team bases. These improvements, along with a more carbon-friendly calendar, highlight F1’s increased commitment to sustainability.

Drivers have also helped raise awareness of the issue. Sebastian Vettel has been a long-term advocate for change, using his platform to promote renewable energy and sustainable farming, while Lewis Hamilton has launched an Extreme E team to compete in eco-friendly off-road racing.

Regardless of this progress, more remains to be done. Further revision of race schedules to reduce travel emissions would be highly beneficial, and the sport can do more to engage fans in sustainability efforts. Initiatives like promoting public transport for event travel or introducing carbon offset programmes for ticket purchases could make all the difference, while better transparency from teams and drivers about their environmental impact would improve trust among the F1 fanbase.

Therefore, F1 finds itself as a crossroads. The reliance on fossil fuels and global travel presents the sport as a prime example of a high-carbon industry, yet its reputation for incredible machinery and innovation provides encouragement that it can lead by example. If F1 successfully integrates sustainability into the sport, it has the potential to change not just motorsport, but the wider world.

As the climate crisis accelerates, the time for action is now. The question is no longer whether Formula One can drive change but whether it can do so fast enough to stay in the race.