Formula 1 has announced it is expanding its investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) through a new programme developed with Global Partner Qatar Airways. This builds upon the previously announced investment alongside Global Logistics Partner, DHL and creates a broader framework for Formula 1 teams and the FIA to participate. In total, the combined investment in the two programmes in 2024 will reduce related emissions by more than 8,000 tCO2e (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent). This is an approximate 19% reduction in related emissions, compared to traditional aviation fuel, for the air freight charter programme 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% reduction in emissions, vs the 2018 baseline.

This agreement also sees Formula 1 become the inaugural member of Qatar Airways’ SAF programme as the eight-time Airline of the Year enters the next phase of its sustainability journey. This programme is a major milestone for Qatar Airways as it enables 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 tCO2e.

SAF demonstrates Formula 1’s ongoing shift towards alternative fuels across all aspects of the sport. On the track, the cars will use 100% advanced sustainable fuel from 2026, with F2 and F3 reaching this standard by next season, having been at 55% since the start of 2023. The FIA Safety and Medical cars also currently use 40% advanced sustainable fuel.

Off-track, European Grands Prix have been delivered alongside DHL, 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%. 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.

Ellen Jones, Head of ESG, Formula 1 said:

“Today’s investment is the next step in our alternative fuels strategy which is central to delivering our Net Zero 2030 target. Through collaboration with our Teams, the FIA and our partners, we are delivering on our promises to drive down the sports’ 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.”

Notes to Editors

SAF is a core part of Formula 1’s alternative fuel strategy which will enable the sport to reach Net Zero by 2030 and its use will be extended in the coming months and years. In addition to the use of SAF, Formula 1 has already taken a number of steps to address its footprint associated to travel and logistics, including:

• Using DHL biofuel-powered trucks to deliver the nine European Grands Prix, which reduced emissions in 2023 by an average of 83% compared to traditionally fuelled trucks.
• Rationalising the FIA Formula One World Championship calendar where possible to create a better flow of races, including the recent announcement that from 2026 Canada will move to a slot in May, whilst Monaco will move to June.
• Utilising regional hubs in Europe, UAE, and the US to reduce the distance freight travels between events.
• Redesigning cargo containers to fit on to more efficient Boeing 777 aircrafts, reducing emissions by 17%. 
• Implementing an industry leading remote broadcast operation that means less equipment and people travel to Grands Prix, with most of the production across a race weekend taking place in F1’s Media & Technology Centre in Biggin Hill, UK.

Formula 1 is using the industry recognised ‘book and claim’ system, which allows an organisation to ‘book’ a specific quantity of SAF and ‘claim’ the corresponding emission reduction, whilst ensuring SAF is being used to replace fossil jet fuel elsewhere in the aviation industry.