Formula 1 makes 1st investment in SAF as part of long-term ultra-efficient logistics strategy

Photo: Formula 1

Formula 1 announced Sept. 20 its first investment in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as part of its ultra-efficient logistics strategy and commitment to reaching net zero by 2030.

The first phase of investment focuses on SAF purchases through Global Partner DHL for air cargo to and from flyaway races since the Australian Grand Prix in March and covers approximately 20 percent of subsequent cargo flights this season.

Using SAF delivers an estimated 80 percent reduction in associated carbon emissions per flight, which means that the flights covered by SAF purchases in the 2024 season are estimated to save over 4,500 metric tons of CO2-equivalent compared to conventional aviation fuel.

In this first phase of investment, Formula 1 is procuring SAF using the industry-recognized book-and-claim model through DHL’s GoGreen Plus service.

As the sector and SAF infrastructure is expanding, it is not possible to directly fuel cargo planes used to move F1 freight with SAF.

Instead, DHL has enabled F1 to book the needed fuel amount, which then gets added to the supply chain in other planes where SAF is directly available.

This ensures a high standard of product quality and traceability, with all carbon reductions verified before F1 can claim them in its carbon footprint.

This model helps reduce carbon emissions with current SAF volumes and encourages future market growth.

SAF is the latest example of F1’s continued transition to sustainable fuels across the sport and its operations.

From 2026, F1 cars will run on 100 percent sustainable fuel, while F2 and F3 will reach that standard by next season, having been at 55 percent since the start of 2023 in partnership with Aramco, and the FIA Safety and Medical cars currently use 40 percent sustainable fuel.

Grands Prix in Europe are delivered using biofuel-powered trucks, as well as events throughout the calendar using alternative energy solutions such as biofuel.

From next season, F1 will also power key operational areas of all European Grands Prix, such as the pit lane and paddock, using a low-carbon power solution provided by Aggreko, which reduces emissions in the supplied areas by more than 90 percent.

“Formula 1 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,” said Ellen Jones, Formula 1’s head of ESG. “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.”

Paul Fowler, DHL’s head of motorsports logistics, added, “Our longstanding partnership with Formula 1 is built on a shared passion for innovation and excellence. We are committed to using our expertise to transport Formula 1’s cars and equipment around the world in the most efficient way possible. With 40 years of expertise in motorsports logistics, we are focused on cutting down greenhouse-gas emissions and making motorsport more sustainable with every step we take.”