Formula 1 is changing its face. From opulent, high-impact circus (remember the V12s?) to a sport with net zero carbon emissions. The announcement came last Tuesday, when Chase Carey, chairman and chief executive, declared that by 2030 both the cars, the operations and all events will be carbon neutral with regard to CO2 emissions. The plan comes after twelve months of work carried out with the support of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (Fia), sustainability experts, Formula 1 teams and sponsors.

What it means for Formula 1 to cut its emissions

The motorsport championship has always been a laboratory of innovative solutions, and over the years it has given rise to technological innovations from which the entire automotive industry has benefited. F1's aerodynamic innovations, safety developments, energy recovery systems, navigation tools and composite materials have been adopted by car manufacturers and other sectors. Not least the energy recovery system and the hybrid system that makes it possible to use less fuel for the same level of power.

"Few people know that the current F1 hybrid power unit is the most efficient in the world, delivering more energy while consuming less fuel and therefore less CO2," said chief executive Chase Carey. "We believe that F1 can continue to be a leader for the automotive industry and that working with the energy and automotive sectors can deliver the world's first hybrid internal combustion engine capable of dramatically reducing carbon emissions across the globe."

To reduce the emissions of the entire circus, however, it is not enough to work only on the cars. There are the paddocks, logistics, overseas travel, not to mention the grand prix events and the events that revolve around them. By 2025, the official website states, sustainable materials will be used at races and single-use plastics will be eliminated, with recycling encouraged. The circus will also work to provide incentives and tools for all fans to reach race venues in a more eco-friendly way. Plans also include powering facilities and factories with 100 per cent renewable energy.

Second- and third-generation biofuels for the future of Formula 1

The next step will be to implement the use of second-generation biofuels, meaning those that have no impact on the food chain, but are derived from food waste or biomass, such as forestry by-products or household waste. "Finally, there are third-generation biofuels, sometimes called e-fuels or synthetic fuels," explains Pat Symonds, Formula 1's chief technical officer. "These are the most advanced fuels. They are often called drop-in fuels because you can literally put them into any engine, without modifications."

Among the drivers, too, there is a renewed focus on environmental issues. A prime example is multiple world champion Lewis Hamilton, who recently revealed that he has gone vegan, sold his private jet to fly less, and banned single-use plastics at home and in the office.

"This isn't a simple change because we travel all over the world and race Formula 1 cars," he told Reuters. "Our carbon footprint is certainly higher than the average person living in the same city. But that doesn't mean we should have any trouble talking about certain behaviours that can bring about positive change."