A New Track Record

Formula 1, long defined by speed, spectacle, and cutting-edge engineering, is now racing towards a different kind of victory—sustainability.

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As the sport commits to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030, its most dramatic innovations are no longer just under the hood but in how it reimagines fuel, tyres, logistics, and its global footprint, Anaiya Giare writes.

Formula 1 is the most popular and the highest class of international motor racing. It does not get more premier than this, and that’s why, when a sport like this talks about going green, the world takes notice. These championships started in 1950, and Formula 1 has been synonymous with speed, innovation and even glamour. But in recent years, the Formula 1 spotlight has shifted towards something more critical, globally, than the championship. Chase Carey, the former CEO of Formula 1, announced a goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

This goal goes beyond transforming the sport; it acts as a signal to industries worldwide to rethink their actions and choose the sustainable path—because if one of the world’s most fuel-driven sectors can change, why can't others?

Following this declaration, F1 has taken numerous steps towards sustainability.

Taming the Tyres: Racing Meets Recycling

Their biggest eco-friendly decision was made in collaboration with Pirelli, the exclusive provider of tyres to all F1 teams. These racing tyres are a crucial factor in the performance; but at the same time, they pose a huge environmental challenge—the waste generated by these tyres cannot be reused.

As a response, Pirelli gives each team a strict restriction on the maximum number of tyres they can use per race weekend—13 sets. This not only reduces unnecessary waste, but also forces teams to innovate, by encouraging smarter and more sustainable race-day strategies.