Formula 1 expands SAF investment through new Qatar Airways program

Photo: Formula 1

Formula 1 announced Nov. 28 it is expanding its investment in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through a new program developed with its global partner Qatar Airways.

The expansion builds upon the previously announced investment alongside Formula 1’s global logistics partner DHL and creates a broader framework for F1 teams and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile to participate.

In total, the combined investment in the two programs this year will reduce related emissions by more than 8,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent (CO2e), an approximate 19 percent reduction in related emissions compared to traditional aviation fuel for the airfreight charter program operated by Formula 1 across the flyaway events of the 2024 season.

The investment in SAF is a key part of Formula 1’s ultra-efficient logistics strategy and will be significant in keeping the sport on track to meet its net-zero-by-2030 commitment, which requires at least a 50 percent reduction in emissions versus the 2018 baseline.

This agreement also sees F1 become the inaugural member of Qatar Airways’ SAF program as the airline enters the next phase of its sustainability journey.

The program is a major milestone for the eight-time airline of the year, enabling its partners like Formula 1 to leverage the benefits of SAF for the first time and puts the airline and its stakeholders on the path to advance the use of SAF at commercial scale.

In 2024, the Qatar Airways Group completed an additional purchase of SAF for use in its fleet, which has resulted in reduction of 19,000 tons of CO2e.

SAF demonstrates Formula 1’s ongoing shift towards alternative fuels across all aspects of the sport.

On track, the cars will use 100 percent advanced sustainable fuel from 2026, with F2 and F3 reaching this standard by next season, having been at 55 percent since the start of 2023.

The FIA safety and medical cars also currently use 40 percent advanced sustainable fuel.

Off-track, European Grands Prix have been delivered using biofuel-powered trucks since 2023 and, starting next season, key operational areas at all European Grands Prix—such as the pit lane and paddock—will be powered by a lower-carbon solution provided by Aggreko, reducing emissions in these areas by more than 90 percent.

Globally, events across the calendar continue to increase the use of alternative-energy solutions such as biofuels, green tariffs and on-site renewables in their operations.

SAF is a core part of Formula 1’s alternative-fuel strategy and its use will be extended in future alongside the steps already taken to address its travel and logistics footprint.

“Today’s investment is the next step in our alternative-fuels strategy, which is central to delivering our net-zero 2030 target,” said Ellen Jones, F1’s head of ESG. “Through collaboration with our teams, the FIA and our partners, we are delivering on our promises to drive down the sport’s carbon emissions and drive forward technologies that can have an impact beyond Formula 1. 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.”